Magdeburg: ‘Copycat’ warning issued as Britons urged to stay vigilant after deadly Christmas market incident

The warning comes after a car ploughed into crowds at a bustling Christmas market in the eastern German city, where a 50-year-old Saudi doctor was arrested at the scene.

The incident occurred at 7:04pm local time, with emergency services rushing to treat victims among the debris of festive stalls.

German authorities have launched an extensive police operation at the scene, where debris from festive stalls remains scattered across the ground.

The suspect, who has been in Germany since 2006, was arrested immediately after the incident.

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German public broadcaster MDR reports that police are investigating possible explosives in the suspect's vehicle, which remains at the scene.

Saxony-Anhalt's Minister President Reiner Haseloff called it "a terrible event, especially in the days leading up to Christmas" and travelled to Magdeburg to assess the situation.

The Christmas market, located next to Magdeburg Town Hall near the River Elbe, was evacuated and organisers urged the public to stay away.

"It is concerning that this has taken place and what we're concerned about is copycats and we might have another one," Phillips told GB News.

He emphasised that advising people to avoid Christmas markets would be counterproductive, stating: "It means terrorists have won."

The security expert urged the public to remain vigilant but continue their normal activities.

His comments follow German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's statement in late November that there were no concrete indications of danger to Christmas markets this year, whilst emphasising the importance of vigilance.

Phillips urged the public to be proactive in reporting concerns, saying: "If you do see something, report suspicious behaviour, this is advice given out by police this week."

"Or even better, report people who are perhaps going off the rails," he added.

Meanwhile, Magdeburg's University Hospital is treating between 10 to 20 patients, with preparations underway for more arrivals.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with one telling German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung that she and her children had to jump away from the oncoming vehicle.

A burger stand operator at the market described the aftermath as "war-like."