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At least 12 people were killed last night after a suspected ISIS militant ploughed a lorry into a festive market in the German capital. Last month, US counter-terror experts warned European countries of a "heightened risk of terror attacks" at Christmas-themed events. The US State Department said it had "credible information" that militants were planning attacks throughout Europe over the festive season.

It specifically warned tourists to "exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets". European intelligence services were also aware of the threat of possible attacks across the continent in the run-up to Christmas. The Foreign Office told British travellers to Germany to "remain vigilant" at "Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds".

GETTY At least nine people have been killed in the Berlin terror attack

BERLIN TERROR: 'TWELVE' dead as truck crashed into crowd at Christmas market Tue, December 20, 2016 A truck crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin killing at least 12 and injuring 48 Play slideshow REUTERS•AFP 1 of 21 A truck crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin killing at least 12 and injuring 48

Just last week a 12-year-old boy was held by police last week amid claims he plotted to bomb a Christmas market in the town of Ludwigshafen. The German-Iraqi youngster, who cannot be named for legal reason, is alleged to have been acting on behalf of ISIS, also known as Daesh. But no formal proceedings were launched against him because he is below the age of criminal responsibility.

GETTY The US State Department recently warned of Christmas market attacks

A UK security source recently told the Mirror that festive markets and shopping centres could be in the sights of ISIS jihadists. They said: "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."

GETTY A man believed to be the driver of the truck has been arrested

Last night's incident, which ISIS has claimed responsbility for, took place at a market outside the landmark Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Police spokesman Winfried Wenzel told ZDF public television that a man believed to be the driver of the truck had been arrested near the scene. Briton Emma Rushton, who was in the market, saw the lorry rush past her at speed and said it could not have been an accident.

GETTY Police have urged people to stay at home and not spread rumours

There was no way that it could have come off the road Emma Rushton

The tourist said she only missed being caught in the chaos because she had climbed up some steps to take a seat. She added: "It was not an accident. It was going 40mph, it was in the middle of the market. "There was no way that it could have come off the road and it showed no signs of slowing down."

GETTY The Foreign Office is 'urgently investigating' the attack