Berlin lorry attack an act of terror, police say

German police have confirmed they are investigating a ‘probable terrorist attack’ after a man, ploughed a lorry into a Christmas market in the heart of Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring 48. In a twitter post, the Berlin Police Department said: “All police measures related to the suspected terrorist attack at Breitscheidplatz are progressing at full steam and with the necessary diligence.” According to reports, the truck was loaded with steel beams and veered into the market at 20:14 local time (19:14 GMT). It crashed through wooden huts and stands packed with tourists and locals. The DPA news agency has said that police believe the lorry drove 50-80 metres (160-260 ft) through the market area. Police confirmed that a passenger was found dead in the lorry, and said he was a Polish national. There are fears he may have been the original driver of the vehicle, and that he was subject to a hijacking. Steffen Seibert, spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel, has said that Merkel has been briefed on the situation by the interior minister and the mayor of Berlin. He added: “We are in mourning for the dead and hope that the many injured can get help.” Following the attack a suspect, a 23-year-old Pakistani man, was seized after being seen fleeing on foot, however, the suspect was released as a result of lacking evidence. So-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying one of its 'soldiers' was responsible. Police are still hunting the killer and any accomplices.