Photo: The Canadian Press

Belgian authorities have charged a Tunisian man with terror-related offences after he allegedly drove his car at high speed around a busy shopping area in Antwerp.

The Federal prosecutor's office said Friday that Mohamed R., 39, was charged with "attempted murder in a terror context," and gun offences.

After driving in the area around the Meir shopping road on Thursday, he was arrested at the port docks. No one was injured.

Authorities found knives, a shotgun and a gas can containing an unknown liquid inside the car.

Despite reports that people had to jump out of the way of the vehicle, several shop owners in the main Meir shopping area contacted by The Associated Press said they heard or saw nothing unusual.

An official at the prosecutor's office said the suspect had been "under the influence" but refused to elaborate whether it was drugs or alcohol.