A counter-terror expert has warned of potential copycat attacks in the UK following a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Germany where a car ploughed into crowds - killing at least five people and injuring up to 200 others.
The attack occurred in Magdeburg last night, prompting security officials to urge increased vigilance.
Chris Phillips, former head of the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Offices, told GB News that the incident raises serious concerns about similar attacks.
He emphasised that potential attackers "live in our cities" and can use simple methods to cause harm.
He emphasised that potential attackers "live in our cities" and can use simple methods to cause harm.
GB News
Speaking to GB News Chris Phillips, former head of the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Offices said: "There are people out there that want to do us harm. They live in our cities, and they can use low sophistication methods to do that.
"It so happens, actually, that Germany recently has been the focus of more terror attacks. France has suffered many terrorist attacks over the last ten years.
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"Germany now seems to be catching up a little bit, and it's really concerning over there. And of course, all the stuff you were talking about, hostile vehicle mitigation.
"We've been putting these measures into our cities for 15, 20 years.
"I was a big part of that, actually, in the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office. And we've been trying to persuade locations to look after people. So crowded places like a Christmas market to do something to protect their people.
"Sometimes that's putting in chicanes to stop vehicles being able to go fast.
A BMW drove through the market's barriers in the German city of Magdeburg, driving directly into the crowds just after 7pm local time REUTERS"On other occasions it's actually used in real hostile vehicle mitigation measures, and you'll see those popping up, the little ones that you can walk through, you'll have seen them if you've been to any crowded place recently.
"So measures are in place, but it is concerning that this attack has taken place. And of course, what we always worry about is copycats shortly after one of these has taken place, that we have another."
His warning comes from extensive experience leading the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Offices, where he played a key role in implementing protective measures across British cities.
The security expert stressed the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviour following the Magdeburg attack.
The security expert stressed the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviour following the Magdeburg attack.
GB News
Police were not immediately available to comment on the reported casualty figures.
Local officials had initially said at least two people were killed and had warned that the toll could rise.
The Bild report said 41 people were critically injured, 86 were receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries and another 78 sustained minor injuries.
German authorities are investigating a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who has lived in Germany for almost two decades in connection with the car-ramming.
