POLICE in the UK have issued a terror alert after a car plowed into a German Christmas market – as fears grow of a “copycat” strike.
Several police forces, including Greater Manchester Police and Hampshire Police, have urged the public to be vigilant following last night’s events in Magdeburg – which left two dead and up to 80 injured.
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A British security expert has issued a warning following the attack on a Christmas market in GermanyCredit: Getty
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Chris Phillips, the former head of the UK’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office, appeared on GB News this morningCredit: GB News
Meanwhile, German police arrested a doctor from Saudi Arabia in his 50s.
A counter-terrorism expert also warned the public to report any potential terror suspects following the attack.
Speaking on GB News, Chris Phillips, the former head of the UK’s counter-terrorism security office, said: “It’s worrying that this has happened and what we’re worried about is copycats and we could have another one.
“If you see something, report suspicious behaviour, this is the advice the police are giving this week.
“Or better yet, report people who may be going off the rails.”
However, he added that a blanket warning against Christmas markets would mean “the terrorists have won”.
It came after a Foreign Office spokesman told Sky News it was “monitoring the situation closely”.
A statement from Hampshire Constabulary, published on X this morning, read: “Doing some last minute Christmas shopping this weekend?
“Let’s keep each other safe. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.”
He then urged anyone with concerns to go to the government’s Action Counters Terrorism site – or call 999 if it’s an emergency.
Saudi suspect arrested after driving through German Christmas market
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police said: “We are working with counter-terrorism police to keep Greater Manchester safe.
“Your safety comes first. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell the staff, security or report it online.”
Yesterday, before the events unfolded in Germany, the British were warned of the possibility of an attack on Christmas markets.
Counter-terrorism police said Christmas markets, shopping centres, concerts and pantos could be targets.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell added: “The public are our eyes and ears. Without public support and vigilance, it actually makes our job terribly difficult.
“Our concern is public spaces, crowded places and their natural vulnerability for obvious reasons, places where you have many, many people, tourists, shoppers, locals and people coming to work.
“What we want to do is make sure we get the messages out to members of the public to be vigilant.”
Among those killed in last night’s attack was a small child.
The suspect, who works in Saxony-Anhalt, was not known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, the DPA news agency reported.
The police confirmed that they are not looking for another suspect at this time.
The car was described as having driven 400 meters through the busy festive market just after 7pm, after breaking through the security barriers.
Video footage of the suspect’s arrest shows him with his hands up before he lay on the ground.
An armed police officer can be seen shouting at him with a gun raised – before vans full of reinforcements race down the street.
One officer jumps over a roadblock as they swarm around the suspect.
Other graphic footage has emerged from last night showing a dark car plowing into a dense crowd at the market, leaving dozens of people on the ground.
Officers initially described a “large” police presence at the scene, before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said reports suggested “something terrible is brewing”.
In a post on X, he said: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with them and with the people of Magdeburg.
“I thank the dedicated rescuers in these anxious hours.”
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