US President-elect Donald Trump makes a statement:

"Our hearts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victims of today's horrifying terror attack in Berlin. Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday. 

"ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad. These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners." 

Berlin police say the suspicious item they investigated on Monday night near the market after the crash - which forced them to close a road - turns out to be a sleeping bag.

The US says it "condemns in the strongest terms what appears to have been a terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin". 

"We send our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those killed, just as we wish a speedy recovery to all of those wounded," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price says. 

He adds that Washington stands ready "to provide assistance" to Germany in investigating the "this horrific incident". 

France says it will increase security at Christmas markets across the country after the Berlin incident, the interior ministry says. 

"All security forces will keep to a maximum level of vigilance," it says. 

"Franco-German cooperation will continue with no respite so that democracies win the war against those who want to strike at our values and freedoms," the ministry adds. 

Berlin police announce they have blocked a street close to the Breitscheidplatz incident to “check a suspicious item.”

There are "growing indications"  that the arrested lorry driver is Pakistani, Welt reports, external (in German).

Berlin police have made no public comments on the claim.

British tourist Emma Rushton was at the Christmas market when the lorry ploughed into the stalls.

She says it "was probably doing about 40mph (64km/h), it showed no sign of slowing down."

The hashtag #PrayforBerlin, external is currently one of the world's most popular on Twitter, Welt reports., external

Forensic experts have been deployed at the scene to gather vital information.

Image source, AP

The Visit Berlin website, external prior to the attack offered some details of why the Berlin market where the crash happened is so popular.

"Located on the festively decorated Breitscheidplatz between Kurfurstendamm and Zoologischer Garten, [it offers] handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, winter clothing, children's toys and lovingly crafted accessories are on display and ready to stuff your Christmas stocking," it says.

"There are also stands at the Christmas market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church offering hearty Thuringian bratwurst, sweet waffles, candied fruit and nuts – the whole range of seasonal treats. Mulled wine and homemade eggnog is served in the warmth of the conservatories and pavilions".  

In a statement (in German),, external German President Joachim Gauck says: "This is an awful evening for Berlin and our country, which has disturbed me and countless other people. 

"My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives and all those who are fearing for family members and friends."

Police in Berlin are urging people to use a Facebook safety check, external to find out if loved ones are safe after the lorry ploughed into the crowded Christmas market.

Reacting to the crash in Berlin, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi described it as "horror".

In a tweet (in French), he also expressed support for the Berlin mayor and German people, adding "never again". 

Image source, Reuters

The lorry involved in the crash belongs to a haulage company based in Poland and is registered in Gdansk, local media reports say. 

The owner of the company told Polish radio TVN24, external that his cousin had been driving to Berlin in the vehicle.

He stressed though that under no circumstances could he imagine his cousin being responsible for the crash because he was a driver with 15 years' experience.

Jan Hollitzer, deputy editor in chief of Berliner Morgenpost, tells CNN: "I heard a big noise and then I moved on the Christmas market and saw much chaos... many injured people. It was really traumatic."

Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller visited the scene to be personally briefed on all the latest developments.

Image source, EPA

Berlin police and the city's mayor are both now saying there are no indications of further dangerous situations in the city near Breitscheidplatz.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is now being briefed by the interior minister and Berlin's mayor, a government spokesman is quoted as saying by Reuters.

Police say the lorry which crashed into the market had Polish number plates and belonged to a Polish delivery company, the Guardian's Kate Connolly reports.

The company said the lorry left Poland on Monday afternoon to go to Berlin, but they lost touch with the driver at 4 pm local time. 

"It would appear that the lorry might have been hijacked," Kate Connolly writes.