Violent incident in Berlin, Germany: At least nine killed and 50 injured by truck in Berlin

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Louise Thomas

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A lorry has ploughed through a crowded Christmas market in the centre of Berlin, killing at least nine people in an incident “being investigated as an act of terrorism.”

The truck careered into the German capital's popular Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, with loud bangs being heard as it crushed stands and tables and ripped out lighting and decorations.

The driver of the truck has been arrested, while a passenger died at the scene.

At least 50 people have been injured.

The Polish owner of the truck said he feared the vehicle, originally driven by his cousin, may have been hijacked.

Ariel Zurawki said he last spoke with the driver around midday, and was told he was in Berlin and scheduled to unload on Tuesday morning.

Mr Zurawki told TVN24: “They must have done something to my driver.”

Facebook has initiated its Safety Check feature, allowing users in Berlin to notify friends and family that they are unharmed:

Chancellor Merkel is being briefed by the interior minister and Berlin mayor on the situation.

White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said the US condemns what it understands to be a "terrorist attack" in "the strongest terms.”

He said the US is sending condolences to Germany's government and its people, thoughts and prayers to the relatives of those killed and is ready to assist German officials.

The White House said the US stands with Berlin in the fight against those who “target our way of life and threaten our societies."