The people of Brussels have been standing in solidarity this evening after 34 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a series of explosions at an airport and Metro station.

Across the Belgian capital today, taxi drivers turned off their meters and citizens opened their doors to each other to offer a safe haven while the Brussels authorities locked down the city.

Crowds gathered at Place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels, where a memorial quickly sprung up in the aftermath of the attacks.

While some left flowers, others used chalk to write emotional messages and tributes:

People bring flowers and candles to mourn at the Place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels. Image: Martin Meissner / AP/Press Association Images

People put the Brussel's mascot statue with a Belgian flag to mourn for the victims at Place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels. Image: Martin Meissner / AP/Press Association Images

A writing on the asphalt reads "Brussels forever" at the place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels. Image: Martin Meissner / AP/Press Association Images

A message left by a members of the public at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels following the terrorist bomb attacks. Image: Gareth Fuller / PA Wire/Press Association Images 

In France, the Eiffel tower lit up on Tuesday evening in the colours of the Belgian flag, as a gesture of solidarity with the country in the wake of the attacks. 

Elsewhere, other monuments around the world have followed suit, including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the Trevi Fountain in Rome. 

Rome's Trevi Fountain lit in colors of #Belgium flag tonight: #PrayForBrussels pic.twitter.com/hxdUPKIpER

— Rich Raho (@RichRaho) 22 March 2016