Magdeburg: Police arrest suspect after attack at German Christmas market

20 December 2024, 22:38 | Updated: 21 December 2024, 05:20

The moment the suspect in a fatal attack on a German Christmas market was arrested has been captured on video by a passer-by.

At least two people were killed, including a small child, and dozens of others injured when a car was "driven at speed" into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, according to local officials.

Officials say the suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who first came to Germany in 2006.

The footage shows the suspect putting his hands up in a busy street and lying on the floor before being surrounded by armed police.

They then handcuff him and one officer appears to sit on his back.

Next to him is a dark coloured car.

Live updates: Germany Christmas market attack latest

Magdeburg is around 100 miles to the west of the German capital Berlin.

Magdeburg Police were called to the scene shortly after 7pm local time.

In a statement, the force said: "The suspect is said to be a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia.

"The man was arrested immediately at the crime scene and provisionally arrested.

"We are currently assuming that the attack was carried out by a lone perpetrator."

State premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, said two people had died and at least 68 had been injured in the attack.

One of those who died was a small child, he said.

Politicians and top government figures in Germany have shared their grief following the incident.

Read more:
What we know so far about the attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on the X social media platform: "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."

The country's interior minister, Nancy Faeser, wrote on X: "The news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The security authorities will clarify the background."

Vice chancellor Robert Habeck wrote: "What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community.

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help."

Others from outside Germany also shared their condolences. In a post on X, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote: "We pray for the families of the victims."

(c) Sky News 2024: Magdeburg: Police arrest suspect after attack at German Christmas market