The funeral in Tongeren was also attended by interior minister Annemie Turtelboom, Flemish government minister Ingrid Lieten (representing an injured Kris Peeters), and health minister Jo Vandeurzen, a native of Limburg. “This is a dark day for the police, not only in Eddy’s division, but across the country,” said local police chief Tony Verlackt.

The investigation has revealed that Houben’s 15-year-old son Cederic, whose body was found at home in Riemst after the fatal shootout, had in fact been murdered by his father the previous evening. Cederic was also buried at the weekend, in Kotem near Maasmechelen. The ceremony was attended by a large number of fellow members of the Standard Liège supporters’ club, the Red Bull-Dogs.