A vehicle has hit a Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin, Germany, killing at least nine people and injuring at least 50 more.
The incident occurred at 8pm, local time. Islamic State have claimed responsibility.
German police believe that this is likely a terrorist attack. The vehicle involved was a black Scania articulated lorry. Local police indicated that the vehicle came from the direction of Budapester Strasse finally coming to rest in front of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
The suspect, believed to be the driver, has been taken into custody.
Jan Hollitzer, deputy editor in chief of Berliner Morgenpost, told CNN:
“I heard a big noise and then I moved on the Christmas market and saw much chaos many injured people. It was really traumatic.”
Breitscheidplatz is a major public square in the inner city of Berlin, Germany. Together with the Kurfürstendamm boulevard, it marks the centre of former West Berlin and the present-day City West.
Berlin crime scene after truck drove through Christmas market. At least 9 dead and 50 injured. pic.twitter.com/XjNuX552Xl
— Voice of Europe (@V_of_Europe) December 19, 2016
A British eyewitness, Mike Fox, told The Associated Press:
“It was definitely deliberate.”
More on this as it develops.