The video will start in 8 Cancel

Join the Secret Elves to discover the best shopping deals and things to do this Christmas Sign me up and spread the Christmas cheer Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Concrete barriers have been erected at Birmingham’s German Market to prevent suicide bombers.

The bollards were put up in Colmore Row and Bennetts Hill this week to safeguard the thousands who flock to the seasonal city centre attraction each day.

It is estimated that 5.5 million people will visit the market before it closes on December 29.

(Image: Iain Findlay)

The move follows a rash of global attrocities involving car or truck bombs. Vehicles packed with explosives have been used to cause carnage.

It comes in the same week that two Birmingham men were found guilty of giving cash to Mohamed Abrini , the “man in the hat” Brussels Airport terror attack suspect.

A member of the emergency services told the Sunday Mercury: “We were told by the police they are there to prevent terrorist attacks.”

Packed events have, in the past, been hit by suicide squads.

Last July, 86 revellers died when a truck rammed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice.

The lorry struck following a fireworks display, its driver opening fire on the crowd before being shot by police.

In all, 434 people were injured.

Just last month it was revealed counter-terror police are on high alert following tip-offs that ISIS and al-Qaeda plan attacks on shopping areas.

A security source told the Daily Mirror: “Britain is very much in the sights of the jihadists but thankfully plots and plotters have been disrupted and stopped.

“Whilst UK agencies have been extremely good at preventative intelligence operations against jihadist groups, other European equivalents have been less successful, sadly.

“This means the entire continent is vulnerable to attack, as we have seen in France, Germany and Belgium, but particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

“It is a Christian period of festivities, bringing together large crowds of soft target civilians, and will attract attention from those who wish to inflict harm.”

The threat level to Britain for international terrorism has been at “severe” since 2014, meaning that an attack is “highly likely,” although no known plot is underway.

American State Department officials have warned US travellers to be vigilant when travelling to Europe – and to be particularly careful when going to Christmas events.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Our officers worked alongside colleagues from Birmingham City Council to plan this year’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market.

“As part of this, a number of security measures were agreed before the market opened, including installing some concrete bollards at a number of locations.”

Superintendent Andy Parsons added: “The installation of the bollards formed part of the original security plan and is not a result of any new or specific intelligence.

“It is a busy time of year for the city and we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone who visits over the festive period.

“Police will be working closely with market security staff to share information on a daily basis and to reassure people that there is an adequate police response available if needed.

“Our policing tactics and security measures are constantly reviewed and we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep our cities as safe as can be.”