Germany Christmas market attack: Magdeburg Market organisers break silence after horror attack kills five
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Organisers of the Magdeburg Christmas Market have issued a heartfelt statement following the terrifying attack earlier this week. At least five people, including a toddler, have been killed and more than 200 injured after a car ploughed through a crowd at the market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what officials believe was a deliberate attack. Up to 40 of the injured are in a serious condition according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected the attack was deliberate, although it is not yet known if it was terror related. The driver of the car, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian national named as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen has been arrested. Police are continuing to investigate a suspected explosive device found inside the black BMW used in the attack. Recent twitter posts attributed to the suspect, who is said to be a psychologist, mentioned "slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately".
READ MORE: Aldi to enforce 'two per person' rule for customers from December 27. A message of mourning has been uploaded to the market's website, which reads: "We are in deep mourning, and our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, relatives and helpers. The Christmas market and the world of lights are over.".
Saxony-Anhalt regional governor Reiner Haseloff said: "This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas." German chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.".
