Belgian gunman an ex-con who feared returning to jail

THE lone Belgian gunman who went on a murderous spree in the city of Liege, killing four people before turning a gun on himself, had a long criminal record and seemed fearful of returning to jail.

As a shocked nation sought to understand the motives behind the carnage by 33-year-old Nordine Amrani, tearful residents of Liege laid wreaths on the city’s central Saint Lambert Square, scene of the attack the previous day.

“It’s awful just being here after what happened,” said a woman on the square.