Police have called on people attending Christmas markets in Britain to remain vigilant in the wake of a devastating attack in Germany that claimed multiple lives.
At least five people were killed, including a nine-year-old boy, when a car was driven into a packed Christmas market in the town of Magdeburg on Friday evening.
Dozens more remain critically injured following the incident, which saw the vehicle plough through the crowds for a quarter of a mile before the driver was apprehended. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspected attacker, was arrested at the scene.
Armed officers were seen patrolling markets across regions such as Surrey to deter potential terrorist acts and other serious crimes.
The tragedy prompted the Metropolitan Police to reissue warnings for those attending similar events, encouraging the public to report any suspicious behaviour.
Chief Superintendent Kris Wright, head of protective security operations for the Metropolitan Police, said: “At this time of year, we naturally see more people heading out and about to enjoy the festive period.
“We want people to enjoy themselves, but also to stay safe, so we are asking the public to report anything that doesn’t look or feel right to us.
“The power of public reporting should not be underestimated. It is never a waste of time to speak to us, or submit an online report.
“Sadly, the threat from terrorism is a real one, so it is vital that we have the support of the public, which helps our own operations and activity to keep everyone safe.
“Since 2017, we, along with our partners have disrupted over 40 terrorist plots. That is down to many dedicated, specialist officers and staff, but also due to the public helping us in that crucial work.”
In South Wales, police reassured festive shoppers with promises of extra patrols in busy town and city centres. A spokesperson said: “Our officers, staff, and volunteers will be working tirelessly over Christmas to keep communities safe.”
In Surrey last week, armed officers patrolled Christmas markets as part of “routine foot patrols.” Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw of Surrey Police stated: “While there are no specific threats to Surrey, we deploy armed patrols year-round to deter serious crime and terrorism, particularly in areas of high footfall during festive periods.”
Some organisers raised questions about the adequacy of security measures at other markets. An organiser of Cardiff’s Christmas market pointed out that vehicles are entirely restricted from accessing their site, unlike in other locations where cars can come dangerously close to crowds.
Meanwhile, Birmingham’s renowned Christmas market confirmed it had reviewed security measures after the attack in Germany. A statement from Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd, the German company behind the event, said: “Incidents like those in Magdeburg remind us of the need to continuously evaluate and optimise our security protocols to ensure maximum safety for all visitors.”
The attack in Magdeburg has cast a shadow over Christmas markets across Europe. The suspect, who was arrested at the scene, used social media to promote hard-Right ideologies.
Andre Gleissner was today named as a youngest victim of the horrific attack in Germany.
Writing on Facebook, his heartbroken mother, Desiree, wrote: “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again. Andre didn’t do anything to anybody. He was only with us on earth for nine years. Why you? Just why?”