UPDATE - Germany: Christmas market incident was probable attack

UPDATES WITH MERKEL’S REMARKS, ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Monday’s deadly truck incident at Berlin Christmas market was likely a terrorist attack.

In brief remarks to journalists at on Tuesday, Merkel expressed shock and deep sorrow over the suspected attack in central Berlin, which left 12 dead and nearly 50 injured.

“We still don't know many details with certainty, but at this stage we have to presume that this was a terrorist attack,” Merkel said.

She stressed the German government would take all necessary measures, but not let terrorists force the public to change their lifestyle.

“We will find the strength to live our lives in Germany the way we want it -- free, together and open,” she said.

Merkel promised a full investigation into the incident and said those involved would be punished using the full strength of the law.

Authorities in Berlin demanded the closure of Christmas markets in on Tuesday, to demonstrate respect for the victims of the suspected attack.

Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere underlined that Christmas markets in Berlin and across Germany will remain open in the coming days.

- One suspect under arrest

Police arrested a suspect late Monday, and confirmed that he was interrogated under suspicion of stealing the truck and intentionally driving it into the crowds at the popular Christmas market in central Berlin.

“Our investigators assume that the truck was intentionally steered into the crowd in the Christmas market at Breitscheideplatz,” police said on Tuesday.

German daily Die Welt reported that the suspected driver was a Pakistani refugee who arrived in Germany in February.

Der Tagesspiegel reported the suspect was known to police for petty offenses, not for any association with terrorist groups.

Germany’s Federal Prosecutor General has taken charge of the investigation, due to the suspicion it was an act of terrorism.