Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect.

Despite the suspect's many statements expressing hostility to Islam, the head of the AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt, Martin Reichardt, said in a statement "the attack in Magdeburg shows that Germany is being drawn into political and religious fanaticism that has its origins in another world".

Anyone who does not like Germany should leave Germany immediately, said Alice Weidel, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany party, candidate for chancellor, speaking to demonstrators in Magdeburg the day before.

New information is emerging about the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, which claimed the lives of five people. It has been revealed that the German police had contacted the perpetrator a few weeks before the attack.

A least one person has been killed and dozens injured in the incident, according to German public broadcaster MDR

The Johanniskirche, a church located just a short distance from where the attack unfolded, has emerged as the focal point for mourners since Friday evening's tragedy, when a car plowed into the bustling Christmas market, claiming five lives. The sidewalk outside the church is now blanketed with a sea of flowers, a somber tribute to the victims.

Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized

Racist attacks against migrants have come in the wake of the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg. Observers warn of Germany's extreme-right scene mobilizing over the incident.

As the German city of Magdeburg mourns the loss of people killed in an attack on a Christmas market, anger is growing over security concerns and previous warnings given to authorities about the suspect. A least five people - including a nine-year-old boy - have died so far, with a further 200 injured, 41 of whom are in critical condition.

At least five people are dead and over 200 people have been injured, 40 critically, officials said. Latest updates.

Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about the man suspected of carrying out the incident at the Magdeburg Christmas market, according to Saudi Arabian security sources. Saudi Arabia requested the extradition of the suspect,