Donald Trump has vowed to 'eradicate' terrorists from the 'face of the earth' after 12 people were killed at a Berlin Christmas market.

The president-elect said it was a 'horrifying terror attack' and would push the US and its 'freedom-loving partners' to take on ISIS.

His comments were made after a lorry packed with steel ploughed into dozens of shoppers perusing stalls. At least 12 were killed and 50 injured at around 8.30pm local time on Monday, police said.

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The US said it 'appears to have been a terrorist attack' and sent its condolences to the Germany government and its people

Twelve people have died and 48 were injured when the lorry was driven into crowds at around 8.30pm local time

Donald Trump, who has vowed to 'eradicate' terrorists from the 'face of the earth' after 12 people were killed at a Berlin Christmas market

President-elect Trump also sent out a tweet saying the 'civilized world must change thinking'

The German authorities have yet to formally confirm the incident was a terror incident although they have said it is likely. The White House said it appeared to be a 'terrorist attack'.

Mr Trump said in a statement: 'Our hearts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victims of today's horrifying terror attack in Berlin.

'Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday. ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad.

'These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners.'

The lorry crashed into Christmas trees as shoppers ran for their lives during the onslaught

Dozens of ambulances and fire engines were sent to the scene at around 8.30pm local time

An armed officer outside the police station where the Berlin market suspect is being held

Police with machine guns patrol the market area following the 'attack' in west Berlin

Police confirmed the death toll rose from nine to 12 after the lorry ploughed into the market

The vehicle mounted the pavement before tearing through stalls as it travelled the entire length of the market on Breitscheidplatz Square

However, President Barack Obama has yet to comment on the incident as he is currently enjoying his annual Christmas vacation in Hawaii.

The Obamas are staying in a Kailua beachfront rental home, one the east side of the island of Oahu.

But the White House did release a statement confirming the President was being kept up-to-date on the latest events in Berlin as well as the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey.

Meanwhile White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said: 'The United States condemns in the strongest terms what appears to have been a terrorist attack on a Christmas Market in Berlin, Germany, which has killed and wounded dozens.'

'Germany is one of our closest partners and strongest allies, and we stand together with Berlin in the fight against all those who target our way of life and threaten our societies.

The Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, sent this tweet following the incident in Berlin

'We have been in touch with German officials, and we stand ready to provide assistance as they recover from and investigate this horrific incident.'

The crash also comes less than a month after the US State Department called for caution in markets and other public places across Europe, saying extremist groups including Islamic State and al-Qaida were focusing 'on the upcoming holiday season and associated events.'

The vehicle mounted the pavement before tearing through stalls as it travelled the entire length of the market on Breitscheidplatz Square, outside the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in the German capital's main shopping area.

After the driver, thought to be a Pakistani asylum seeker, was arrested more than a mile away and another person was found dead in the cab, there was speculation that the Polish-registered lorry may have been hijacked as the haulage firm said they lost contact with the driver in the afternoon.

President Francois Hollande said the French people 'share in the mourning of the Germans in the face of this tragedy that has hit all of Europe'

The Germany Foreign Office said Angela Merkel was in contact with the mayor of Berlin

Boris Johnson, Britain's Foreign Secretary, tweeted: 'My thoughts & condolences are w/ the people of #Germany following tonight's terrible tragedy in Berlin, leaving so many dead & injured.'

President Francois Hollande said the French people 'share in the mourning of the Germans in the face of this tragedy that has hit all of Europe'.

Germany's justice minister has said that federal prosecutors are taking over the investigation.