Details have emerged regarding the alleged suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack in Germany that killed 11 and left between 60 and 80 others injured.
According to German outlet Magdeburger Volksstimme, at least eleven people were killed after a car ploughed through the market.
Reiner Haseloff, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister, has confirmed that the man accused is a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian who arrived in Germany in 2006 and has been working as a doctor. An explosive was also found in the black BMW used in the attack.
Haseloff also confirmed the death of a small child in the attack. He added: "This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas."
City spokesperson Michael Reif confirmed the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack but did not give a precise figure on the number of injured people.
He added: "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."
Footage shared on social media seems to depict several victims severely injured on the ground, with police officers rushing to the scene.
The Christmas market has now been closed and the organisers have urged people to leave the city centre.
They wrote on Instagram: "Due to current events, we would like to point out that you should avoid the Christmas market. Please let the emergency services do their job and leave the market in an orderly manner!"
Magdeburg, located west of Berlin, serves as the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and is home to approximately 240,000 residents.
Chancellor Olaf Scholzcommented on the attack on X. He wrote: "The reports from Magdeburg suggest something terrible is to come.
"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."
