Nine dead as truck hits Berlin Christmas market in suspected attack

Nine dead as truck hits Berlin Christmas market in suspected attack
Photo: DPA
At least nine people have died and more than 50 were injured after a truck drove into a Christmas market in Berlin on Monday night.

We are shutting down the live updates for the evening. Here’s what we know so far:

  • A large truck drove into a crowded Christmas market in west Berlin at around 8.30pm on Monday evening.
  • So far nine people have been confirmed dead, and around 50 have been injured.
  • Police have not yet confirmed whether it was a terror attack, but have caught the man they believe was the driver of he truck. A passenger died at the scene.
  • Authorities have told Berliners to stay at home, while also reassuring people that the situation is now under control.

10.51pm: Media are reporting that the truck belonged to a Polish company. The driver of the truck is a cousin of the company owner, Polish media report. They also speculate that the truck was stolen from him, according to broadcaster n-tv.

10.48pm: French President Francois Hollande has sent a message of “solidarity and compassion” to Chancellor Merkel.

“The French people share Germans’ sorrow in the face of this tragedy that affects all of Europe,” he said in a statement.
France was hit by an attack on Bastille Day, when a truck drove into a crowd in Nice, killing 86 people. Isis claimed responsibility for the attack.

10.39pm: Berlin police said Monday there was no indication of other “dangerous situations” in the city after a truck ploughed into a Christmas market, killing at least nine.

“Currently, there are no indications of further dangerous situations in the city near Breitscheidplatz,” the central square where the suspected attack took place, police in the German capital tweetet

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http://www.thelocal.de/20161219/one-de

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