Things can be done to deter such attacks; the difficulty is that terrorists simply change their target. As they do not apparently care who they kill (children, elderly, disabled, etc.), then any building or area frequented by people will do.

Sad news, just before Christmas too.

What is the point of these people doing this, they must be mentally ill?

If they are really doing it for isis, then why, it doesn't achieve anything, a solo attack isn't going to wipe out germany...

But it's tyres were Bridgestone. Must be Japanese fanatics.

They always will.

This is the most reliable to stay on, https://twitter.com/PolizeiBerlin_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw At least they won't be making wild assumptions!

Sky news reports that the police have blocked roads round Xmas markets in Birmingham. They're using vehicles. I got the impression this was done as a precaution before the Berlin attack although I may have picked that up wrongly.

This is just one horrible horrible day. For the first time in my adult years, I am actually very fearful for this world of ours.

This latest atrocity breaks my heart, I care not who or why it was carried out, my heart, and deep thoughts are with the families of the loved ones who have been murdered in such a barbaric vile way.

Im wondering if the passenger in the lorry was already dead by the perpetrator- the lorry driver killed? Taken along from when the lorry was stolen/highjacked to prevent his body being found before this mass murder happened?

How did the passenger die?

bit confused by this:


if the passenger was dead.

Me too Penny. I got a bit cross with my daughter-in-law today because she's been avoiding a quick pre-Christmas girly day out into central London (a client of mine wants to hand over a designer brand gift and invited me to bring a friend for the same treat).
It turned out her reluctance was the usual "but what about terrorists?" stuff. Now I have no answer, but gave myself a verbal slap for fussing as there are now many families in an absolutely terrible, devastating situation this Christmas.

Makes the public reluctant to attend mass events in public. People with children rightly won't do anything that has the slightest possibility of putting their children in danger.

It is wrong I agree but that is what it serves to do sadly.

No. But dozens and dozens of attacks over years kill hundreds and hundreds; maim many many more for the rest of their lives; cause stress for millions of people for many years... it causes huge expense in policing; surveillance which in turn demands more and more funding etc...

Its called death by a thousand cuts

I think the Christmas markets are heavily policed but mainly to stop suicide bombers. The reports say that the truck was being driven into the market at speed. Even if the police were able to shoot out the tyres ( this I understand is extremely difficult) or shoot the driver, the truck would still continue to travel a distance before crashing. An impossible situation all round

I was certainly puzzled when I heard the suspect had been arrested......these attacks are nearly always suicide missions.

Moreover, they are urging people to "Stay home and do not spread rumors". Sage advice.

I must have misheard? I thought a body was in the cab. If so , ignore my post

Sky News are simply reporting what eyewitnesses say that the attack drove right through the pedestrianised section hitting person after person and that is it unlikely to be accidental, also that the owner of the lorry says he thinks it has been highjacked.

Sky report it as they see it and update as new information comes through, their brand of news is as it breaks, the BBC is a different format. Choose what you prefer, but I like all the information coming in to be shared, they do warn of what is and isn't confirmed.

It does exactly what they want . Instills fear , shocks , frightens and saddens us .

no, no, i was thinking they were reporting that the passenger was dead but the cab was empty.

i was wondering how they know he was the passenger.

How about you try to be a little less rude then?

Warning: Aftermath video. http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=20a_1482181359

Exactly so no deterrent, nothing can stop their murder sprees. They'll always find ways to carry on.

They may not give full story either, as their aim will be to keep the public calm...try not to anger locals into protesting etc

I'd be helping people not going around filming it, but it does look like the death toll will be much, much higher.