A Belgian flag has been raised in a Kent village as an act of support following yesterday’s devastating terror attacks.

It has been placed next to the Union flag on the village sign at ‘The Point’, opposite The Crown pub, in St Michaels, near Tenterden.

It was erected by members of St Michaels Village Community Group, who say it was a reaction to the “terrible atrocity in Belgium” which left more than 30 people dead following three explosions in Brussels.

Ken Mulholland, chair of the group said: “Similar to the Paris bombings, we are appalled at the mindless carnage of innocent people both of Belgium and of other nationalities.

“We stand united in our grief and determination to combat this evil cancer in our midst.”

At least 31 people died and dozens more were injured following three explosions at a Brussels airport and a metro station yesterday morning.

"We are appalled at the mindless carnage of innocent people both of Belgium and of other nationalities" - Ken Mulholland

Twin blasts struck the main terminal of Zaventem international airport, in the north-east of the city, killing 11 people and injuring 81 at 8am local time.

An hour later, another explosion hit the Maelbeek metro station in the city centre, close to several European Union institutions, killing a further 20 people.

Another 100 people were injured, 17 of them seriously.

The Islamic State group have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said: "What we feared, has happened.

"We realise we face a tragic moment. We have to be calm and show solidarity."

Security was tightened at Kent's borders yesterday, with heightened Border Force presence at ports, additional security checks on some flights and specialist search dogs deployed at key areas including St Pancras and Dover.

Eurostar also suspended trains to Brussels.

This is not the first time the people of St Michaels have demonstrated their support for our European cousins.

In November, they raised the French flag after a series of co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks in Paris, which left more than 100 people dead.