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Abdeslam accomplice identified, Belgian police

Belgian prosecutors say they have discovered the real identity of an accomplice of Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam who was still on the run Monday, as French prosecutor François Molins met his Belgian counterpart Frederic Van Leeuw to discuss information arising from Abdeslam's arrest.

Belgium police have identified the accomplice of Paris attacker Salah Abdesalam.
Belgium police have identified the accomplice of Paris attacker Salah Abdesalam. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
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Police knew that Soufiane Kayal, the name the man used when he travelled to Hungary with Abdeslam in September, was false and now they have identified him as Najim Laachraoui, a 24-year-old who went to Syria in February 2013.

He used his false name to rent an apartment in the Belgian town of Auvelais that is believed to have been used by the Paris attackers.

His DNA has been found in a Brussels apartment where Abdeslam stayed after fleeing to Belgium after the attacks.

Investigators reportedly now believe that more people than previously supposed were involved in the attacks and Abdeslam's apparent plot to stage another attack in Brussels.

Hollande was to have a formal meeting with victims' families for the first time since the attacks on Monday afternoon.

A statement from the Elysée presidential palace said he would update them on the latest developments.

To read our coverage of the November Paris attacks and their aftermath click here

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