A terminally ill child has become the first minor to be helped to die in Belgium since age restrictions were lifted on euthanasia requests in 2014.

The head of the national committee for euthanasia confirmed the first case was reported to him by a local doctor last week, but would not give any details.

He described it as an exceptional case of a child with a terminal illness, according to a Belgian newspaper.

What is Belgium's law on euthanasia on minors?

Wim Distelmans, who chairs Belgium's Federal Control and Evaluation Committee on Euthanasia said: "Fortunately there are very few children who are considered (for euthanasia) but that does not mean we should refuse them the right to a dignified death."

Both active euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under English law.