Huge concrete security barriers have been put in place to protect visitors to one of the world’s largest Christmas fairs from terror attacks.

Birmingham city council installed the large concrete bollards throughout the city centre overnight in an effort to keep visitors safe as they enjoy the annual Christmas market, returning to the city on November 16.

It comes as security measures are increased during the festive period to help prevent similar attacks to the one in Berlin, that left 12 people dead, last year.

The bollards have been erected overnight to stop attacks similar to the one in Berlin, which killed 12 people

Local Government Association has warned councils to be vigilant and has encouraged them to follow government guidance in protecting areas considered a likely target for terrorists.

Their guidance including installing barriers that would protect the public from driving heavy vehicles into crowds.

A spokesperson for Birmingham city council said: 'Barriers will be installed at key locations around the city centre following the usual annual preparation and planning processes in the lead up to market opening for business.

Birmingham City Council has placed the barriers at key locations to prevent terror attacks with vehicles

'Last year saw similar barriers introduced for the first time and West Midlands Police are keen to stress that this security is not based on any new or emerging intelligence.

'The security threat level nationally remains unchanged at Severe meaning an attack is highly likely.'

Bosses from the council confirmed that the barriers had been installed overnight, around Victoria Square, and that more would go into place over the coming days.

The barriers have been introduced to prevent attacks similar to the one in Berlin that left 12 people dead

The barriers are designed to protect people enjoying festive shopping at the Birmingham Christmas markets

Police also confirmed security would be heightened with extra armed police and undercover officers at the fair, expected to attract millions of visitors before it closes on December 29.

However, councils taking action in the UK has raised fears that another attack could be imminent.

Concrete security barriers were erected in Birmingham last night to prevent terrorists using vehicles to attack shoppers

Similar bollards in pedestrianised areas are set to be erected across the country for the festive events to prevent vehicles from driving into crowds of people - similar to the Berlin attack last year which killed 12 people.

Local authorites have also been told to bolster their security presence following a number of deadly terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year.

Local authorites have also been told to bolster their security presence following a number of deadly terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year. Pictured is police at the Manchester Christmas market on the day after the Berlin attack

Armed police officers could be seen patrolling the streets around the markets. Pictured is Southbank Centre Christmas Market in London last year

Armed police officers could be seen patrolling the streets around the markets, including at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, and increased bag searches are expected to take place.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told The Telegraph: 'The public may see additional protective security measures and barriers at events this year, in response to a number of vehicle-based terrorist attacks we have sadly seen both here in the UK and abroad.

'There could also be increased security checks at some events and venues so we advise the public to arrive in plenty of time to allow for this.'

Concrete bollards were put in place on bridges across the British capital, after jihadists drove a van into pedestrians at London Bridge and Borough Market in June.

And Southampton City Council has already confirmed they will be putting up the vehicle obstructions for their market, which opens on November 11.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: 'Councils take their responsibilities to protect their residents incredibly seriously, and this includes making sure that transport hubs are safe and that any security risks are mitigated.'

A terrorist ploughed a truck into a crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Breitscheidplatz, Berlin, Germany, last December

Concrete bollards in pedestrianised areas are set to be erected across the country for the festive events to prevent vehicles from driving into crowds of people - similar to the Berlin attack last year which killed 12 people

The West was put on increased terror alert over the festive period following the Berlin lorry tragedy last December.

The day after the attack, security was ramped up in major cities including, London, New York, Paris, Vienna and Dusseldorf, as fears grow of another atrocity.

Tanks were seen in the streets of Budapest, Hungary, and soldiers were pictured at the Christmas markets in Antwerp, Belgium.