The man in Antwerp who threw acid in the face of a Delhaize supermarket worker is a 42-year-old lawyer from Amsterdam, according to Belgian media.

The Nieuwsblad says it has spoken to the mother of the man, named as Jelle F, who says her son must have had a breakdown. Jelle F was arrested in Paris and appeared in court yesterday where he said he would not fight extradition to Belgium.

F is wanted in connection with the acid attack on a cleaner in the store three weeks ago. She was seriously injured and kept in an artificial coma until last week. F is also suspected of sending threatening letters to the supermarket.

The Standaard says the man was recognised by his family. He had left the Netherlands at the end of November to work in Barcelona.