Tri-Service

Berlin Market 'Attack' Came Days After British Military Warning

It's emerged that HQ British Forces Germany released advice to British forces families in Germany about security at Christmas markets, just days before the suspected terror attack in Berlin which left at least 12 people dead.

Another 50 people were injured in Monday's incident, which saw a truck drive into a crowded Christmas market in the heart of the German capital.

Berlin police said on Twitter:

"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."

HQ British Forces Germany, meanwhile, wrote in a statement on Wednesday:

"The current terrorist threat picture in Europe in general and Germany in particular, viewed against the background of attacks in France and Germany during the past several months, highlights the on-going threat to public events."

"During the Christmas period this could include the Christmas Markets which take place across Germany and in many European towns and cities."

"Currently there is no evidence of any concrete threats against, or planning for, attacks against any specific Christmas Markets from any of the established Left or Right Wing extremists groups or from any Islamist extremist groups."

"Christmas Markets can present a tempting soft target for Islamist terrorists, not least because of the ease of access for terrorists and the large number of visitors, but also because they present an opportunity to achieve maximum effect in terms of casualties and media reaction for minimum effort on behalf of the terrorist, be it a lone wolf type attack with a knife and/or motor vehicle or a more sophisticated attack using some form of IED."

"The religious aspect of the year’s most important Christian festival is also a driver for those of an Islamist extremist bent.

"The German Security authorities assess that the period could see a significant increase in the number of non-specific threat warnings as well as hoaxes.

"The security threat assessment for Germany as a whole remains at "SEVERE" – an attack is highly likely, and the threat for BFG, which remains unchanged at "MODERATE" – an attack is possible but not likely."

"The Christmas markets are a unique opportunity to enjoy the local culture and hospitality but if you are uncomfortable or see something suspicious then report to the Police. If you think there is an immediate threat to life dial the German Civil Police on 110.

"Do not hesitate to report anything suspicious (particularly the activity of people and vehicles) to the Emergency RMP Hotline on 05254 982 2222 (They really don’t mind if it’s a false alarm – better safe than sorry)."

The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, released the following statement after the attack:

"The Metropolitan Police has detailed plans for protecting public events over the Christmas and New Year period."

"These already recognise that the threat level is at 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, and have considered a range of threats, including the use of large vehicles.

"As a matter of routine, as a precaution, we review our plans after attacks overseas, and we are doing so at present following the awful incidents in Berlin and Ankara last night."