Berlin attack: Police vow to up security at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
West Midlands police chiefs have vowed to increase patrols in and around the region's biggest Christmas market in the wake of the Berlin attack.
The force said in a statement last night that bosses will be reviewing their response and 'increasing visible patrols' where required to provide reassurance to those visiting, working and living in Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands.
They also moved to reassure residents and visitors by saying policing tactics and security measures are being 'reviewed on a daily basis'.
Before the market opened last month, concrete bollards were installed as part of a series of safety measures.
Police worked with Birmingham City Council and agreed the measures before the official opening on November 17.
Twelve people have so far been confirmed dead and 48 injured after a truck ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin. The death toll, which has risen from nine, has been confirmed by Berlin Police.
The force said 48 people who were injured – some of them seriously – have been taken to hospital.
West Midlands Police's statement from yesterday said: "Following the tragic events in Berlin last night, we are reviewing our police response and increasing visible patrols where required to provide reassurance to those visiting, working and living in Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands.
"We have detailed policing tactics and security measures in place to protect the public, which are being reviewed on a daily basis.
"We're asking everyone to remain vigilant but not alarmed and report any suspicious activities to police on the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline – 0800 789 321 – in an emergency call 999.
"Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn't seem to fit in with day-to-day life – let us decide if it is important," the statement continued.
"We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.
"The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe, meaning an attack is considered to be highly likely.
"We ask that people remain alert, vigilant but not alarmed, and report anything suspicious to us at the earliest possible opportunity.
"Our officers have 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.
"The installation of the bollards formed part of the original security plan and is not a result of any new or specific intelligence relating to Birmingham.
"Our policing tactics and security measures are being reviewed on a daily basis – we have a dedicated police response in place for the market and we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep Birmingham and our other cities as safe as can be.
"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."
The market got under way on November 17 and runs until December 29.
