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Berlin truck 'terrorist attack': 12 killed in Christmas market crash – live Berlin truck 'terrorist attack': 12 killed in Christmas market crash – live
(35 minutes later)
8.25am GMT
08:25
Ukip’s former leader Nigel Farage is blowing his dog whistle again. He claimed “events like these will be the Merkel legacy”.
Terrible news from Berlin but no surprise. Events like these will be the Merkel legacy.
8.16am GMT
08:16
Matthew Weaver
German government prosecutors have taken over responsibility for investigating the Breitschreidplatz attack.
Der Generalbundesanwalt hat die Ermittlungen zum #Breitschreidplatz übernommen. Auch die weitere Pressearbeit wird nun von dort erfolgen.
7.53am GMT7.53am GMT
07:5307:53
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.
I’m now handing over the live blog to my colleague Matthew Weaver in London, who’ll continue to update with the latest developments.I’m now handing over the live blog to my colleague Matthew Weaver in London, who’ll continue to update with the latest developments.
7.46am GMT7.46am GMT
07:4607:46
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Thomas de Maizière, the interior minister, has ordered for flags to fly at half-mast across Germany today. The ruling applies to all official buildings.Thomas de Maizière, the interior minister, has ordered for flags to fly at half-mast across Germany today. The ruling applies to all official buildings.
The boss of Germany’s police trade union, Oliver Malchow, has told Bavarian Broadcasting that it would never be possible to have “100% security” at the country’s 2,500 Christmas markets, which take place “at least twice a week” in every German town.The boss of Germany’s police trade union, Oliver Malchow, has told Bavarian Broadcasting that it would never be possible to have “100% security” at the country’s 2,500 Christmas markets, which take place “at least twice a week” in every German town.
7.39am GMT7.39am GMT
07:3907:39
The UK Labour party’s shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, has expressed solidarity with those affected by the attack in Berlin:The UK Labour party’s shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, has expressed solidarity with those affected by the attack in Berlin:
Our thoughts are with all those killed and injured in the horrific incident in Berlin, and with their families. We stand united in sorrow and solidarity with all the people of Germany, as well as with all those affected by today’s attacks in Switzerland and Turkey.Our thoughts are with all those killed and injured in the horrific incident in Berlin, and with their families. We stand united in sorrow and solidarity with all the people of Germany, as well as with all those affected by today’s attacks in Switzerland and Turkey.
Christmas is above all a time for peace and togetherness, and if what we have seen in Berlin and elsewhere today are shown to be deliberate, terrorist attacks, let us remember that our peace and togetherness are exactly what these evil individuals are trying to destroy, and that we must never let them succeed in that aim.Christmas is above all a time for peace and togetherness, and if what we have seen in Berlin and elsewhere today are shown to be deliberate, terrorist attacks, let us remember that our peace and togetherness are exactly what these evil individuals are trying to destroy, and that we must never let them succeed in that aim.
Let us prove instead that – by people of all nations, creeds and colours standing strong together – we can defeat all those who simply want to sow war, division and hate.Let us prove instead that – by people of all nations, creeds and colours standing strong together – we can defeat all those who simply want to sow war, division and hate.
7.33am GMT7.33am GMT
07:3307:33
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Die Welt has reported that at around 4am (5am GMT) police special commandos stormed a hangar at the disused Tempelhof airport in southern Berlin.Die Welt has reported that at around 4am (5am GMT) police special commandos stormed a hangar at the disused Tempelhof airport in southern Berlin.
No further details are yet available.No further details are yet available.
Part of the vast Tempelhof complex – one of the largest building complexes in the world, mainly of Nazi construction – is currently being used as a refugee centre.Part of the vast Tempelhof complex – one of the largest building complexes in the world, mainly of Nazi construction – is currently being used as a refugee centre.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.55am GMTat 7.55am GMT
7.26am GMT7.26am GMT
07:2607:26
It was only as dawn approached on Tuesday that Berlin police confirmed they were investigating the crash that has killed 12 people and wounded 48 as a “suspected terror attack”. In a series of tweets, officials said:It was only as dawn approached on Tuesday that Berlin police confirmed they were investigating the crash that has killed 12 people and wounded 48 as a “suspected terror attack”. In a series of tweets, officials said:
Our investigators are working on the assumption that the truck was intentionally driven into the crowd at the Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz.Our investigators are working on the assumption that the truck was intentionally driven into the crowd at the Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz.
All police measures concerning the suspected terror attack at Breitscheidplatz are being taken with great speed and the necessary care.All police measures concerning the suspected terror attack at Breitscheidplatz are being taken with great speed and the necessary care.
Germany’s interior minister, Thomas de Maizière, had earlier urged caution:Germany’s interior minister, Thomas de Maizière, had earlier urged caution:
I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet at the moment, although a lot speaks for it.I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet at the moment, although a lot speaks for it.
There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.
7.14am GMT7.14am GMT
07:1407:14
The US state department issued a warning in November for American travellers in Europe, specifically advising caution during “the upcoming holiday season and associated events”, including markets:The US state department issued a warning in November for American travellers in Europe, specifically advising caution during “the upcoming holiday season and associated events”, including markets:
The department of state alerts US citizens to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season. US citizens should exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets …The department of state alerts US citizens to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season. US citizens should exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets …
US citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathisers or self-radicalised extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning. Terrorists may employ a wide variety of tactics, using both conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.US citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathisers or self-radicalised extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning. Terrorists may employ a wide variety of tactics, using both conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.
7.06am GMT7.06am GMT
07:0607:06
Vigils will be held today for the 12 people killed in the attack on the Christmas market.Vigils will be held today for the 12 people killed in the attack on the Christmas market.
From 11am (10am GMT), members of the public are invited to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, at the scene of the devastation, to sign a book of condolence.From 11am (10am GMT), members of the public are invited to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, at the scene of the devastation, to sign a book of condolence.
Archbishop Heiner Koch will lead mass at the Catholic Cathedral of St Hedwig’s in Berlin at midday (11am GMT).Archbishop Heiner Koch will lead mass at the Catholic Cathedral of St Hedwig’s in Berlin at midday (11am GMT).
And at 6pm a vigil will take place at the memorial church.And at 6pm a vigil will take place at the memorial church.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.11am GMTat 7.11am GMT
6.47am GMT6.47am GMT
06:4706:47
A report from Polish business news site money.pl says the firm that owns the truck used in the Berlin attack has been able to glean some information about its movements from satellite tracking.A report from Polish business news site money.pl says the firm that owns the truck used in the Berlin attack has been able to glean some information about its movements from satellite tracking.
The report cites an employee saying “someone was turning the vehicle on and off as if they were trying to get it going” before it travelled to the market at Breitscheidplatz.The report cites an employee saying “someone was turning the vehicle on and off as if they were trying to get it going” before it travelled to the market at Breitscheidplatz.
Łukasz Wąsik, the company’s transport manager, is quoted as saying:Łukasz Wąsik, the company’s transport manager, is quoted as saying:
We have no information what is happening with our driver. In the media, its reported that there were two people in the cabin. We only have one person there, who was going to Berlin and was supposed to unload there.We have no information what is happening with our driver. In the media, its reported that there were two people in the cabin. We only have one person there, who was going to Berlin and was supposed to unload there.
Money.pl reports that Wąsik checked the tracking for the Scania lorry:Money.pl reports that Wąsik checked the tracking for the Scania lorry:
At 15.44 someone tried to turn it on. Over the next hour nothing happened. The next attempt to get it started took place at 16.52 and the engine turned over until 17.37. In that time, the vehicle did not move. Apparently there were several more attempts. Then the lorry began moving at 19.34 and moved from Berlin.At 15.44 someone tried to turn it on. Over the next hour nothing happened. The next attempt to get it started took place at 16.52 and the engine turned over until 17.37. In that time, the vehicle did not move. Apparently there were several more attempts. Then the lorry began moving at 19.34 and moved from Berlin.
It was not being turned on in order to warm the engine and the cabin because the drivers were cold. That uses another system. It looks like someone was trying to learn how to drive this vehicle and had difficulties getting it moving.It was not being turned on in order to warm the engine and the cabin because the drivers were cold. That uses another system. It looks like someone was trying to learn how to drive this vehicle and had difficulties getting it moving.
Berlin police have said they are investigating the possible theft of the lorry; they have so far not released any details of tracking or the truck’s movements before it arrived at Breitscheidplatz.Berlin police have said they are investigating the possible theft of the lorry; they have so far not released any details of tracking or the truck’s movements before it arrived at Breitscheidplatz.
6.32am GMT6.32am GMT
06:3206:32
Philippe Pradal, the mayor of Nice, where an attacker mowed down dozens of people with a truck on Bastille Day, killing 86, has tweeted about the apparent similarities between Nice and Berlin.Philippe Pradal, the mayor of Nice, where an attacker mowed down dozens of people with a truck on Bastille Day, killing 86, has tweeted about the apparent similarities between Nice and Berlin.
#Nice06 #Berlin. Même mode opératoire. Même violence aveugle. Même haine des gens heureux. Plus que jamais, combattre l'obscurantisme.#Nice06 #Berlin. Même mode opératoire. Même violence aveugle. Même haine des gens heureux. Plus que jamais, combattre l'obscurantisme.
He says: “Same modus operandi. Same blind violence. Same hatred of happy people. More than ever, fight against obscurantism.”He says: “Same modus operandi. Same blind violence. Same hatred of happy people. More than ever, fight against obscurantism.”
6.19am GMT6.19am GMT
06:1906:19
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
A police press conference is to take place at 1pm local time (noon GMT) on Tuesday at which more details will be given.A police press conference is to take place at 1pm local time (noon GMT) on Tuesday at which more details will be given.
The lorry is due to be transported from the scene to be taken for more forensic tests.The lorry is due to be transported from the scene to be taken for more forensic tests.
The scene of the incident remains one of devastation, still strewn with the remains of collapsed market stalls, broken Christmas decorations, bottles, and the silver sheets used to cover the victims. Police have appealed to bystanders not to take photos of the dead out of respect.The scene of the incident remains one of devastation, still strewn with the remains of collapsed market stalls, broken Christmas decorations, bottles, and the silver sheets used to cover the victims. Police have appealed to bystanders not to take photos of the dead out of respect.
There will be a vigil at 6pm at the memorial church (Gedächtnis Kirche), a popular monument in Berlin known locally as the jagged tooth, close to where the juggernaut came to a halt.There will be a vigil at 6pm at the memorial church (Gedächtnis Kirche), a popular monument in Berlin known locally as the jagged tooth, close to where the juggernaut came to a halt.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.21am GMTat 6.21am GMT
6.07am GMT6.07am GMT
06:0706:07
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.13am GMTat 6.13am GMT
5.56am GMT5.56am GMT
05:5605:56
No details have yet been released about the identities of the 12 people known to have been killed in Berlin.No details have yet been released about the identities of the 12 people known to have been killed in Berlin.
A man found dead in the truck has been ruled out by police as the driver at the time of the attack. Police say he was a Polish citizen.A man found dead in the truck has been ruled out by police as the driver at the time of the attack. Police say he was a Polish citizen.
The Polish delivery company that owned the vehicle said it lost touch with the driver at 4pm local time after it left the country for Berlin.The Polish delivery company that owned the vehicle said it lost touch with the driver at 4pm local time after it left the country for Berlin.
Owner Ariel Zurawki said he feared the vehicle, driven by his cousin, might have been hijacked. He told the Polish news outlet TVN24: “They must have done something to my driver.”Owner Ariel Zurawki said he feared the vehicle, driven by his cousin, might have been hijacked. He told the Polish news outlet TVN24: “They must have done something to my driver.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.57am GMTat 5.57am GMT
5.41am GMT5.41am GMT
05:4105:41
Berlin police say they will be moving the truck from the Breitscheidplatz to secure the evidence and for forensic testing.Berlin police say they will be moving the truck from the Breitscheidplatz to secure the evidence and for forensic testing.
They ask people not to distribute photos of the move, “out of respect”.They ask people not to distribute photos of the move, “out of respect”.
5.30am GMT5.30am GMT
05:3005:30
Police have now confirmed that they are treating events in Berlin as “presumed terrorism” and are working on the assumption that the truck was “intentionally” driven into the crowd.Police have now confirmed that they are treating events in Berlin as “presumed terrorism” and are working on the assumption that the truck was “intentionally” driven into the crowd.
Thomas de Maizière, Germany’s interior minister, said earlier on Monday night that officials were being cautious in labelling it as a terror attack:Thomas de Maizière, Germany’s interior minister, said earlier on Monday night that officials were being cautious in labelling it as a terror attack:
We are interrogating a suspect. We don’t know anything yet about the background but we won’t rest until this has been totally clarified.We are interrogating a suspect. We don’t know anything yet about the background but we won’t rest until this has been totally clarified.
I don’t want to talk about an attack, though much points to it.I don’t want to talk about an attack, though much points to it.
German Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere: 'We won't rest until this is fully investigated' #Breitscheidplatz #Berlin pic.twitter.com/8EXL1W0DehGerman Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere: 'We won't rest until this is fully investigated' #Breitscheidplatz #Berlin pic.twitter.com/8EXL1W0Deh
5.07am GMT5.07am GMT
05:0705:07
Police: crash was 'presumed terrorist attack'Police: crash was 'presumed terrorist attack'
Berlin police are now calling this a “presumed terrorist attack”:Berlin police are now calling this a “presumed terrorist attack”:
Alle polizeilichen Maßnahmen zu dem vermutlich terroristischen Anschlag am #Breitscheidplatz laufen mit Hochdruck und der nötigen Sorgfalt.Alle polizeilichen Maßnahmen zu dem vermutlich terroristischen Anschlag am #Breitscheidplatz laufen mit Hochdruck und der nötigen Sorgfalt.
4.56am GMT4.56am GMT
04:5604:56
Police: truck 'intentionally' driven into crowdPolice: truck 'intentionally' driven into crowd
Berlin police say their investigation is now working on the assumption that the truck was deliberately driven into the Christmas market:Berlin police say their investigation is now working on the assumption that the truck was deliberately driven into the Christmas market:
Unsere Ermittler gehen davon aus, dass der LKW vorsätzlich in die Menschenmenge auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt am #Breitscheidplatz gesteuert wurdeUnsere Ermittler gehen davon aus, dass der LKW vorsätzlich in die Menschenmenge auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt am #Breitscheidplatz gesteuert wurde
4.42am GMT4.42am GMT
04:4204:42
The mayors of London and Paris have expressed their solidarity with Berlin:The mayors of London and Paris have expressed their solidarity with Berlin:
My thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events in Berlin tonight. London stands with you in solidarity and support.My thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events in Berlin tonight. London stands with you in solidarity and support.
Die Pariser Bevölkerung ist solidarisch mit den Opfern, ihren Familien, und mit ihren Berliner Brüdern und Freunden. #BerlinDie Pariser Bevölkerung ist solidarisch mit den Opfern, ihren Familien, und mit ihren Berliner Brüdern und Freunden. #Berlin
Ce soir, Paris est en deuil aux cotés de #Berlin et de toute l'Allemagne.Ce soir, Paris est en deuil aux cotés de #Berlin et de toute l'Allemagne.