Festive revellers urged to be alert after Berlin truck attack

Scottish police have advised festive revellers to be alert but not alarmed following the Berlin attack in which 12 people were killed.

Force chiefs said their public safety plans are kept under constant review and stressed there is no intelligence to point to a specific threat to Scotland.

Eleven people lost their lives when the articulated lorry careered through huts and stalls at the Christmas market near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, along with a Polish man found shot dead inside the lorry's cab.

Security measures have been tightened around Britain in the wake of Monday's attack in the German capital, which left dozens more people injured.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins has moved to reassure the public.

He said in a statement: “Police Scotland has detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of the public at a wide range of festive and major events.

“All plans are kept under constant review and are assessed against the impact of incidents which take place elsewhere, including Berlin.

“There is no intelligence at this time to suggest a threat to any specific event in Scotland.”

He said the force's policing presence at events would be appropriate to the latest information and current threat level.

“The UK threat level remains at severe and people should remain alert at all times, but not alarmed. Any suspicious activity should be reported,” Mr Higgins added.

“Police Scotland works with a wide range of partners including the UK counter-terrorism network to ensure people can go about their lives safely and securely at all times, including during the festive period when our main centres may be far busier than normal.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed her “deepest and heartfelt sympathies” to all those affected by the “appalling” Berlin attack.

“To those who lost their lives, those who sustained injuries and those who lost loved ones, our thoughts are with you,” she said.

• Scottish News