One killed and scores injured after car drives into German Christmas market – latest updates

Key events

Show key events only

Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature

Here are some images coming through the newswires from Magdeburg:

Special police forces attend an incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Photograph: Heiko Rebsch/AP

A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market after an incident. Photograph: Heiko Rebsch/AP

Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city centre. Photograph: Craig Stennett/Getty Images

Police vans and ambulances at the scene. Photograph: Craig Stennett/Getty Images

Death toll rises to two

The perpetrator is a doctor from Saudi Arabia, according to German state premier Reiner Haseloff, Reuters reports.

Haseloff added that the perpetrator acted alone and that at least 60 people have been injured.

The death count has increased to two, Haseloff said, Reuters reports.

The German broadcaster MDR is reporting that another Christmas market in the city of Erfurt, in central Germany, is being evacuated.

They report the move is a precautionary measure and there is “no concrete evidence of any danger”.

Magdeburg’s University hospital said it is treating 10-20 patients and preparing for more, the press agency dpa is reporting.

City spokesperson Michael Reif said he suspects it was a deliberate act, adding there are “numerous injured” and that the “pictures are terrible”.

“My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I can’t yet say from what direction and how far,” Reif added.

'At least 70 people injured, 15 of whom with serious injuries'

The attack has left one person dead and 70 injured, 15 of whom with severe injuries, MDR is reporting citing city officials.

Police suspect there was an explosive device in the vehicle that ploughed into a crowd at the Christmas market, broadcaster MDR is reporting.

Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said the attack left her “shaken”.

In a statement on X, Baerbock wrote: “The pictures from Magdeburg leave me deeply shaken. For the families and friends who wanted to spend time together at the Christmas market nothing is as it was before. My deepest sympathies are with the victims and their loved ones. I want to thank the emergency crews and helpers.”

Emergency services at the scene of the attack at an Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday. Photograph: Heiko Rebsch/AP

It is unclear if the suspected attacker was acting alone, according to local broadcaster MDR.

One person has been arrested, authorities said.

MDR also reports the car used by the attacker was still at the market. It reportedly “drove at least 400 metres” into the crowd.