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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Jessica Sansome

Foreign Office warns of increased security at European Christmas markets due to terror threat

Heading to a Christmas market , for many, is a staple of the festive season but those heading to Europe to experience the magic have been issued with advice.

The Foreign Office has warned of increased security at such events in the likes of Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.

It has said this is because of "general threat from terrorism".

The full notice on the FO website reads for each country: "There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds.

"You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities."

Visitors may be aware of a police presence (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

It comes after various attacks on Christmas markets in recent years.

In 2016, a truck was driven through the crowds of visitors at a market in Breitscheidplatz in the City West of Berlin killing 11 people and injuring 56.

Two years later,  a gunman opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg. Three people were killed and 12 others injured.

Here in the UK, the terror threat level was lowered from "severe" to "substantial" for the first time in five years as announced by the Home Office last week.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK was still at "a high level of threat" and an attack could "occur without further warning".

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