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Armed robbers escaped with a “substantial amount of cash” after holding-up two German Christmas Market workers on Saturday night.

The victims, both from Germany, were threatened with a knife by the three-man gang as they loaded up lorries at a car park used by organisers of the popular festive event.

Sources claim the robbers escaped in a car with tens of thousands of pounds of cash after the terrifying late-night attack in Suffolk Street.

Police were last night unable to give any description of the men involved or the car that was used in the robbery, which took place at the council-owned car park underneath the Suffolk Street flyover.



They were also unable to confirm the amount of cash stolen in the raid.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “Two men aged 50 and 47 were loading their lorry trailer near to the Mailbox on Suffolk Street at around 10pm on Saturday evening when they were attacked by three men.

“One of the thieves threatened the businessman with a knife and demanded he hand over his takings. The men stole a substantial quantity of cash and made off in a vehicle.







“Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to call Detective Constable Darren Wilkie from Birmingham Acquisitive crime team.”

A spokesman for the organisers of the popular annual attraction refused to comment on the robbery. He added: “This is not a matter of an incident at the market. This is a matter for the police and I cannot comment on it.”

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See an aerial video - shot from a camera-toting drone by Moseley-based production company onedayinmylife - of this year's Birmingham Christmas Parade

The annual event, officially called the Frankfurt Christmas Market, was first held in the city in 2000 and is run by Birmingham City Council.

It is the largest Christmas market in the UK, attracting around three million visitors – the biggest festive event outside of Germany.

Most of the dozens of traders hail from Frankfurt, with which Birmingham has been twinned for the past 40 years.

The market arrived in New Street and Victoria Square on November 14 and runs until December 22.

Anyone with information about the robbery can call DC Wilkie on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.