Belgian police have shot and killed a man accused in the fatal shooting of two Swedish football fans.

After the incident, Belgium's prime minister described the incident as "terrorist madness."

Following an extended manhunt in north central Brussels, police opened fire on the suspect. Prosecutors stated he died as a result of his injuries.

PHOTO | COURTESY Investigators at the scene

"The perpetrator of the terrorist attack in Brussels has been identified and has died," Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said on social media.

"Our thanks go to the intelligence and security services and the public prosecutor's office for their quick and decisive action last night and this morning,' she added.

Prime Minister Alexander de Croo had stated that the suspect was of Tunisian descent and had been living illegally in the nation. The gunman boasted of being inspired by the Islamic State extremist group in a social media post following the killings.

PHOTO | COURTESY police officers

"The terrorist attack that happened yesterday was committed with total cowardice, and the attacker chose as a target two Swedish football fans," de Croo said at a news conference, adding that a third person, a taxi driver, was gravely injured.

Sweden expressed outrage over the shooting just before a football match between Belgium and Sweden on Monday evening, with hundreds of Swedish fans in the city supporting their side.

PHOTO | COURTESY Terrorist who murdered two Swedish nationals shot dead by police

Sweden has been embroiled in a severe dispute with Muslim countries this year after police approved several protests in which copies of the Koran, Islam's sacred book, were burned.

The gunman fled on a scooter while wearing a high-visibility orange jacket. Belgian officials increased the terror warning for Brussels to level four, or "very serious" – the highest – and level three nationally.

The suspect has been identified as Abdesalem L, 45.