14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Iconic bakery chain famed for its cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves to open 40 new locations in UK
AN ICONIC bakery chain famed for its cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves is set to open 40 new locations in the UK.
The beloved upmarket bakery has soared in popularity over the last few years – and currently has over 150 stores.
GettyGail’s is set to open 40 new cafes in 2025[/caption]
The iconic bakery chain is famed for its cinnamon bunsGetty Images - Getty
The new Gail’s sites will launch in 2025, CEO Tom Molnar hopes, upping the company’s targeted sales to £300 million.
It follows the launch of two new sites in London St Pancras and one in London Bridge station – the first Gail’s cafes to be introduced in train stations.
Before that, the chain opened its 150th store in Watford in October.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Tom credited the company’s rapid high street expansion to cheap real estate.
He said: “There are lots of empty sites on the high street.
“You get really attractive deals. That’s been really fundamental to us.”
However, Tom also admitted that he might have to put prices up on the already luxury coffees and baked goods.
This is due to a rise in employer national insurance contributions introduced in the latest Budget – and an increase in the minimum wage, he said.
Gail’s is renowned for its bread, which is baked at sites in Hendon, North London, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Manchester and Bath.
Its pastries are also a favourite among TikTok users, who frequently post eat-with-me videos featuring the snacks.
Several videos have gone viral recently showcasing the impressive array of Gail’s snacks that can be enjoyed when you order a Too Good To Go package.
However, the chain has not been without controversy – with hundreds signing a petition to block a new site in Walthamstow Village, amid fears that the neighbourhood was being “gentrified”.
The petition was created with a view to “protecting the unique identity of our community and safeguarding the soul of a beloved neighbourhood”.
Similarly, residents in Knutsford, Cheshire, where a Gail’s branch was due to open, told the Sun last year that the chain was “too expensive” and could drive out independent traders.
Nigel Cowl, 58, said: “I won’t go in there. I work at the Co-op and can pick up some cheaper bake-at-home things instead.
“To be honest, I prefer some jam or marmite on toast to a fancy croissant.”
He added: “I think the bakery will get a lot of customers because Knutsford has become so upmarket.
“But I don’t think it’s a good thing – it’s too expensive.”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter.
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energybills and inflation.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Our idyllic views are ruined by NAKED guests parading around ‘eyesore’ holiday home – huge window means we see it all
NO PLANNING PERMISSION ..Local Neigbours (L-R) .Iain Burden, Michael Sharp Linda Jeavons, Jean Williamson and Janet Gayther ..Locals are angry about this new building that’s been built without planning permission.In Caernarfon, Wales…NINTCHDBJOBS000001102601..Copyright:.Dan Jones Images.dan@danjonesimages.co.uk.07939439200..17/12/2024dan jones
NEIGHBOURS have expressed their fury over a newly converted holiday home, claiming naked guests roam freely and can be seen from all angles.
The controversial conversion at Penisarwaun, in Gwynedd, Wales, features a large gable end window overlooking a lane and nearby home.
dan jonesThe property is reached by a narrow road and advertised as a ‘haven of tranquillity’[/caption]
Local Neigbours; Iain Burden, Michael Sharp Linda Jeavons, Jean Williamson and Janet Gayther say the building has ruined their viewsdan jonesThe locals say the hot tub seems to provoke bad behaviourdan jones
It can be reached only by a narrow road and is advertised as a “haven of tranquillity” in the Welsh countryside.
But those living nearby have dubbed the development, which was built without planning permission, an “eyesore” – and insist they can see everything from the outside.
Janet Gayther, 82, whose home is overlooked by the giant window, says she frequently sees guests in the buff – and it’s making her life a “misery”.
“I’ve seen all sorts,” she told The Sun Online. “People coming out and getting in the hot tub without clothes.
“I’ve driven past in the car and visitors have been sprawled out in the nude on the sofa.
“They also climb in and out of the bath on the mezzanine floor.”
The great gran added: “There’s the noise when they are having fun and games in the hot tub, having a drink and playing loud music.
“It’s making my life a misery at times.
“I’ve been here more than 50 years and didn’t expect this. What has happened is wrong.”
The property is said to attract partying guests and lights from the building, it’s claimed, make it shine “like Blackpool illuminations.”
Neighbours say they’ve had visitors knocking on their door at 1 am trying to find it.
And just a few months ago police were called when a lost couple disturbed the peace with an angry bust-up – seemingly because they were unable to find the accommodation.
“People sometimes can’t find the place,” Iain Burden, 61, said.
“If I had a quid for every time I had to direct people, I would be a millionaire.”
Visitors have been accused of failing to recycle and leaving locals to pick up armfuls of rubbish.
Michael Sharp said people “behave really badly” and that it’s the luxury hot tub that seems to “provoke bad behaviour”.
“We can hear the noise inside the house, even with the doors closed,” the 72-year-old said.
“People are coming for a good time. We have had drones flying above our property.
“Some people are completely selfish and not community-minded.”
He added that he and his fellow neighbours have complained about the council planning department.
“It’s making the lives of locals a misery,” he said.
“At times we can’t go out in the garden because of the noise.”
The owners have applied for retrospective permission to convert the outbuilding into a holiday let – but councillors turned it down, against the advice of officials.
Gwynedd councillors were told it had been completed without planning consent.
Jean Williamson, 70, said she was “furious” about the situation and the council response had been “inadequate.”
She said: “We get hen parties and birthday parties.”
Linda Jeavons, 75, added: “The owners have come along and more or less ignored all the rules and regulations.
“This is a nice quiet residential area and they are turning it into something more commercial.
“The lane isn’t very accessible, and the property creates a lot of problems litter-wise.
“The window isn’t in keeping with the area.”
Another local man said there had been a “significant increase in traffic” along the narrow lane leading to the holiday property.
He asked: “Have the council got the money to fight it?”
ACyngor Gwynedd spokesperson told The Sun: “At a meeting of the Gwynedd Planning Committee held on 9 December, a retrospective application to convert an outbuilding to holiday let at Plas Coch, Penisarwaun was refused due to the fact that the development is contrary to policy PCYFF 3 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan 2011-2026.
“It was deemed the development would have an adverse effect on residential amenities and the gable windows would cause an over-looking and an intrusive effect on neighbouring properties.
“The Council’s Planning Service has written to the applicant to inform him of the committee’s decision and is investigating the matter further.”
The Sun has reached out to the holiday home’s business for comment.
The locals argue the building was erected without their permission and now they have to put up with naked guestsdan jonesThey say the situation is making their lives a miserydan jones
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on West Ham 1 Brighton 1: Mohammed Kudus grabs the limelight with goal and celebration in Christmas snoozefest
FOR a long time it felt like Christmas shopping in Stratford would have been more fun than this.
It really was that bad at times.
GettyMohammed Kudus spared West Ham’s blushes in a 1-1 draw against Brighton[/caption]
ReutersThe Seagulls took the lead in the stalemate but were pegged back immediately[/caption]
But thankfully there are still a few showmen about and Mohammed Kudus is always happy to grab the limelight.
Not only with his equaliser, cancelling out Mats Wieffer’s first Brighton goal, but in his celebration too.
Everyone now knows to expect Kudus to find somewhere to perch and take a breather after scoring – but now he is bringing along his very own stool in the shape of an elephant.
Kudus’ goal ended a difficult week for Julen Lopetegui, who lost his father on Tuesday, with another result to ease the pressure.
None of it has been spectacular, but the Hammers are now unbeaten in three ahead of facing Southampton on Boxing Day.
The London Stadium has never been the most imposing of venues.
But there was a particular air of everyone wanting to be somewhere else across a desperate first half.
The opening 45 minutes was best summed up by Carlos Baleba kicking his own teammate, Jean Paul van Hecke, in the head and Pervis Estupinan falling on his backside when lining up a rare shot.
That defensive stability, the only real positive from West Ham’s first half, vanished not long after the restart.
Hurzeler’s men found a way through, though Lopetegui will have plenty to say about it.
A quick Brighton corner was poorly cleared by Emerson Palmieri to Seagulls full-back Pervis Estupinian.
The Colombian lifted a dangerous cross to the far post, where Dunk met it with a header at the expense of Lukasz Fabianski.
Dunk’s barge sent the Pole tumbling, meaning he was helpless to stop as Wieffer finished low into an empty net from 13 yards.
If it had been a defender Dunk had challenged there would have been no issue, but given the protection goalkeepers usually have – it was surprising to see the goal stand.
The injustice at least brought West Ham to life.
They had not shown any intensity during the dreary first half, but finally had a bit of zip to their play – which sparked the opener.
Tomas Soucek pinged a sharp, first time ball into the feet of Jarrod Bowen.
The England man put the Brighton defence into reverse and found some space for a shot.
Bart Verbruggen managed a save but the rebound fell for Kudus to nod in before he sought out his bizarre stool for his trademark celebration.
There have been rumblings that the Ghana international, West Ham’s most valuable asset, could be sold in January to fund investment.
But that would be foolish.
The former Ajax man is one they look to in order to dig them from a hole in situations like this.
With no real system in place, Lucas Paqueta too often disinterested and no in form striker, it is usually down to Kudus or Bowen to make something happen.
Bowen cannot do it alone.
Crysencio Summerville, introduced as a sub, offers flashes but cannot yet be trusted to start.
Lopetegui hoped that Fullkrug’s first start for the club would boost the attacking options.
But the German offered next to nothing, losing the ball under little pressure and causing no issue for the Brighton defence.
Investment in that area is, as usual, a priority for West Ham in January.
Brighton, too, look like they need something to spark them back into life.
The Seagulls’ run without a win drags on. They continued to create openings but things are no longer falling for them as they did earlier this season.
Yasin Ayari twice drew good saves from Lukasz Fabianski, the second deep in stoppage time.
Yankuba Minteh raced down the right but saw his shot rattle the inside of the post before hitting Mitoma and bouncing away from goal while Evan Ferguson failed to connect with fine cross yards from goal.
They could not find any sort of momentum and needed Verbruggen to save sharply from Edson Alvarez late on to protect their record of having never lost at this stadium.
Both sides remain in somewhat of a muddle, both knowing they could be so much better.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on You’ve been using stainless steel pans all wrong – the right way to make sure nothing sticks to it this Christmas dinner
A WOMAN has revealed we’ve all been using our stainless steel pans wrong just in time for Christmas.
Rachel Popper, from the US< took to social media to share how to actually use it and stop food from sticking.
.tiktok.com/@racheljpopperIf your pan looks like this when you put water in, it’s too hot[/caption]
AlamyOne mum shared how to use it correctly without food sticking[/caption]
With many of us stuck in the kitchen over Christmas, the trick will come in useful so that we don’t have to also spend hours scrubbing pots and pans clean.
She said: “Do your stainless steel pan stick?
“Don’t worry, it’s not the pan’s fault.
“You’re just doing it wrong.”
Rachel clarified that she was joking, but said most people had never been taught how to use one correctly.
To start with she said you need to ensure the pan is preheated properly before trying to put any oil in.
She then showed the simple trick to test if the pan was ready to cook with.
She let the pan heat- which you can do on any level of temperature and flicked in a little water.
“If the water droplets, just sit there and boil, not hot enough,” she said.
However if the water droplets instantly start ‘dancing’ around you’re good to go.
.tiktok.com/@racheljpopperCoating the pan in oil can help as well[/caption]
Rachel added: “That is science. It’s called the Leidenfrost effect.
“And this is how you know your stainless steel is hot enough to cook on and will not stick.”
Next you want to get some oil and use a spatula to make sure the entire pan is coated and then start cooking.
The savvy trick will ensure your food and your pan doesn’t get ruined this Christmas.
Hacks for Keeping Food Fresh in Your Fridge
IF you want your food to stay fresh, you'll need to try out this useful hacks...
Herbs in Water: Store fresh herbs like parsley and coriander in a glass of water, then cover with a plastic bag to keep them fresh for weeks.
Wrap Greens in Paper Towels: Wrap leafy greens in paper towels before placing them in a plastic bag. The towels absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting.
Use Mason Jars: Store salads, chopped vegetables, and even leftovers in mason jars. They are airtight and keep food fresher for longer.
Revive Stale Bread: Sprinkle a bit of water on stale bread and pop it in the oven for a few minutes to make it fresh again.
Baking Soda for Odours: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odours and keep food tasting fresh.
Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil: Chop herbs and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray. This preserves their flavour and makes them easy to use.
Keep Cheese Fresh: Wrap cheese in wax paper instead of plastic wrap. Wax paper allows the cheese to breathe, preventing it from becoming slimy.
Store Avocados with Onions: Place a cut avocado in an airtight container with a slice of onion. The sulphur compounds in the onion slow down oxidation, keeping the avocado fresh.
Use Vinegar Wash for Berries: Rinse berries in a mixture of water and vinegar (one cup of vinegar to three cups of water) before storing. This kills bacteria and mould spores, extending their shelf life.
Egg Freshness Test: To check if eggs are still fresh, place them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink, while old ones will float.
Implement these clever hacks to maximise the freshness of your food and make the most of your groceries.
Rachel’s video went viral on TikTok @racheljpopper with over 4 million views and 141k likes.
People were quick to thank her in the comments with many claiming they had no idea how it worked.
One person wrote: “I’ve gone 32 years wondering why my pan eats more eggs or whatever I’m cooking more than I do!! I appreciate you!”
Another commented: “Thanks for this info!!! Learned something!!”
“This is the absolute truth and works every time!” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Thank you, I’ve been trying to figure out how to make mine not stick.”
“It just takes so long to come up to temp I get inpatient….it’s definitely me, I’m the problem,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “You saved a pan today I was just talking about getting rid of ours cause EVERYTHING sticks to it I’m gonna try this.”
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4: Alexander Isak bags stunning hat-trick as Toon all over Tractor Boys from very first whistle
ALEXANDER ISAK fired a stunning hat-trick as Newcastle gave sorry Ipswich a thumping.
The Swedish striker was at his clinical best to punish an appalling performance from Kieran McKenna’s men.
Newcastle dominated Ipswich with a stunning performanceReutersIsak scored a hat-trick for Newcastle in an incredible displayPAJacob Murphy also got on the scoresheet to complete Newcastle’s triumphGettyNewcastle added to Ipswich’s relegation woesPA
Winger Jacob Murphy had a field day at Portman Road.
Not only did he set up two of Isak’s goals — the first and third — but also aptly got in on the scoring act with a wonderful goal to put Newcastle 2-0 up.
Isak has now fired 11 goals this season and six in his last five.
But Newcastle will not have many easier afternoons than this.
Ipswich are still searching for their first Premier League win at home since 2002 after nine attempts this season.
They could not have not got off to a worse start going behind after TWENTY-SIX seconds! Well, a bit longer because of VAR!
Fabian Schar played a peach of a long pass forward to Murphy racing down the right.
He supplied a superb cross which Sam Morsy could only clear as far as Isak who slammed home.
Assistant Natalie Aspinall did not raise her flag until the goal was scored — adjudging Murphy was offside.
But after more than two minutes of checking, VAR reversed the decision and ruled the Toon star onside.
And finally the Newcastle players and fans were able to celebrate.
The Toon have not lost a game this season after taking the lead while Ipswich have not won after conceding first.
Newcastle should have doubled their lead when Murphy supplied another wonderful cross but Anthony Gordon’s downward header from six yards bounced over the bar under pressure from Morsy.
The Geordies were really enjoying themselves and Murphy had a pot shot from 25 yards that flashed wide of the left post.
But Ipswich did start to get some ball in and around the Toon box.
Jens Cajuste fired a shot over from the edge of the box and Sam Szmodics was played in by Conor Chaplin but keeper Martin Dubravka was quick to deny him from close range
Morsy brilliantly blocked Murphy as he was about to pull the trigger inside the Ipswich box.
Isak then was one-on-one with Arijanet Muric but the Ipswich keeper saved his effort from 12 yards.
Newcastle deservedly went 2-0 up through Murphy.
The Toon star brilliantly fired past Muric off the underside of the bar from just inside the box after being teed up by Gordon following some good play around the penalty area.
Isak had another sighter after being played in by Gordon but his curling effort lacked enough power to trouble Muric from 15 yards.
Newcastle were handed a third on a plate.
The ball was played out of the back by keeper Muric but Cajuste did not deal with it.
Bruno Guimaroes pounced, played the ball forward to Isak to slot home.
McKenna made a half-time change — bringing on Ali Al-Hamadi for Omari Hutchinson.
But Newcastle were denied a fourth by the woodwork.
Guimaroes thumped a header from a Lewis Hall cross that bounced off the base of the right post.
But they duly got it moments later when Murphy showed great close control and trickery after pouncing on a Cameron Burgess mishit clearance. He calmly rolled the ball across to Isak to poke a shot past Muric.
With the game in the bag, Howe rang the changes — bringing on Harvey Barnes, Sean Longstaff and Kieran Trippier and then Miguel Almiron for the brilliant Isak and Lewis Miley for Guimaraes.
Harvey Barnes lashed a volley over after Dan Burn had done well to keep Gordon’s deep cross alive.
But Ipswich were denied snatching a consolation when Dubravka got down quick to keep out a thumping low shot from Nathan Broadbent.
Burn had a late fifth ruled out for offside.
The Tractor Boys can forget any chance of extending their return to the Premier League beyond this season if McKenna cannot solve their leaky defending.
They are too easy to play. They cannot win at home. The omens are not good.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Premier League LIVE SCORES: Newcastle dominant & West Ham draw as City crisis continues with defeat to Villa – updates
MATCHWEEK 17 is HERE and there are some blockbuster Premier League ties taking place this weekend.
In today’s early kick off, Manchester City suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Aston Villa which now means Pep’s side have one win in their last TWELVE matches!
In the 3pm games, Newcastle BATTERED Ipswich Town 4-0, West Ham and Brighton drew 1-1 and Nottingham Forest secured another excellent win – this time 2-0 at Brentford.
As a result, Littler has risen to fourth on the PDC Order of Merit and won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
But next on the hit list is a shot at the 2024/25 World Darts Championship – as he looks to go one better than his debut year.
When is Luke Littler playing his first match at the World Darts Championship 2024?
The teenage sensation will be in World Darts Championship action against Ryan Meikle at Alexandra Palace on Saturday, December 21.
Littler’s second-round match will be in the evening session, which starts from 7pm GMT.
He will be the penultimate match of the evening – at the time of writing he is scheduled for a 9.10pm GMT start, but that is subject to change based on how long the earlier matches take.
When does the World Darts Championship 2024/25 start and end?
The 2024/25 World Darts Championship started on Sunday, December 15 and will conclude on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Afternoon sessions are scheduled to start from 12.30pm GMT while the evening sessions take place from 7pm GMT.
There is no play on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Alexandra Palace in North London is the venue for the iconic competition.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Dollar Tree’s ‘high-quality’ $1.25 gift boxes ‘perfect’ for last-minute presents and shoppers praise ‘fast shipping’
Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’ve left shopping until the last minute, Dollar Tree is here to save the day.
From affordable must-have gits and stylish gift packaging, Dollar Tree is winning shoppers over with these colorful $1.25 nesting boxes.
dollar treeThe colorful boxes are a hit with shoppers[/caption]
dollar treeFill the boxes with gifts, mementos or more[/caption]
Voila Colorful Iridescent Nesting Boxes with Bows, $1.25
Whether you’re staging the ultimate Christmas arrangement or plan to fill these nesting boxes with gifts your family and friends will love, the eye-catching boxes are ideal for last-minute shopping.
Run; don’t walk to Dollar Tree because there’s not long left until the big day.
SEALED WITH A BOW
Each set of nesting boxes features a coordinated design, complete with matching ribbons that add a sophisticated touch.
Shoppers will find boxes available in an assortment of four vibrant colors: turquoise, white, purple, and red.
There are three convenient sizes too: small, medium, and large for only $1.25.
The variety of sizes caters to your gifting needs; whether you’re wrapping up jewelry, trinkets, or keepsakes, these versatile containers won’t break your budget.
Their sturdy construction ensures they’ll hold up over time (and beyond Christmas Day).
GLEAMING REVIEWS
Shoppers are particularly impressed by the value for money and speedy delivery.
“I love these nesting boxes, they are perfect for my shop on Etsy” one customer shared online.
They followed up by sharing, “Easy to make my items into gifts from a high-quality set of boxes in three different sizes.”
They also noted, “Fast shipping and the best price around.”
Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season, birthdays, or if you’re just looking for an elegant way to store personal mementos, these nesting gift boxes are a budget-friendly option.
Dollar Tree dupes
Savvy shoppers have scoured Dollar Tree to find dupes of their favorite products
Shoppers found a perfect replica of a $150 set of Pottery Barn plates and bowls. Plus, Dollar Tree has matching mugs.
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Deal with EU on youth mobility scheme IS on the cards, Labour MP says
A DEAL with the EU over free movement for young people IS on the cards, a senior Labour MP has suggested.
Stella Creasy said calls for a youth mobility scheme were “pushing at an open door”.
The TimesLabour MP Stella Creasy. Photograph by Richard Pohle[/caption]
AlamyProtesters gather outside Parliament with EU flags[/caption]
EPAPro-EU campaigners protest outside parliament to mark the 4th anniversary of Brexit Day in London, 31 January 2024.[/caption]
She said it was an “absolute hot topic” for both the British Government and the European Commission.
“The good news is, it is being discussed,” Ms Creasy told a pro-Europe Labour group.
“It is very clear that there has been negotiation and movement on there. So we are pushing at an open door.”
AFPShadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel says Labour is trying to undo Brexit[/caption]
But Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused Labour of trying to “unpick” Brexit.
She said: “Labour can try and deny it all they like, but the whole country can see what their real game is – Keir Starmer is trying to unpick Brexit at every opportunity he can.
“Labour have surrendered in every negotiation they’ve entered from the Chagos Islands to inflation busting pay rises for their union chums, and this clearly won’t be any different.
“The Conservatives will not let them drag us back into the EU via the back door. We will hold them to account.”
A youth mobility, or “experience” scheme, long demanded by Brussels, could let under-30s live, work, and study freely between the UK and EU.
Ms Creasy added: “I was in Brussels last week and I can absolutely confirm this is one of the topics that people want to talk to you about.”
She made the comments this month at a briefing for the Labour Movement for Europe.
There are now more MPs who are members of the group than there are Tory MPs, according to reports.
GettyBrexiteers fear Sir Keir Starmer, who spent years campaigning for a second referendum, wants to reverse the vote by the back door.[/caption]
Ms Creasy, who chairs the group, insists they are not plotting to rejoin the EU and are instead trying to “salvage” our relationship.
The MP for Walthamstow has been tipped as a potential Labour Mayor of London candidate.
Asked about rejoining, she added: “The honest truth is that talks and discussions – even if Europe were willing to entertain it for rejoining – would be a 10 year process.
“Frankly, an entire generation of young people do not have 10 years for negotiations.
“They need us to do things now, to salvage something for them, to have a future. And a youth mobility scheme is a starting point.”
A Government spokesperson said: “There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme and we will not return to freedom of movement.”
14 hours agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Christmas markets in Europe on high alert after Magdeburg attacker was able to ‘dodge bollards’ in rampage that killed 5
BUSY Christmas markets across Europe are quickly bolstering up their security following the horror Magdeburg car attack.
The Saudi refugee doctor suspected of being behind the rampage that killed five is said to have dodged bollards before speeding down the packed street.
SuppliedThe moment suspect Taleb A was arrested by German cops at the scene of the horror Christmas car crash[/caption]
XFootage caught the moment the car ploughed into the market[/caption]
EPAThe Magdeburg market was left in tatters following the deadly drive[/caption]
ReutersThe concrete blocks that officials believe the suspect may have dodged before speeding down the packed street[/caption]
Taleb A, 50, has been named by local media as the suspected driver with officials now speculating how he managed to get his large BMW onto the market roads.
A line of concrete blocks had been placed on the street where joyous revellers filled out as the Christmas celebrations spread across the city.
Security teams felt the protective slabs would be a big enough deterrence and prevent any vehicle from storming down the street.
These bollards were made mandatory following a similar horrifying attack after a man with Islamist links crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin.
Taleb was allegedly under the influence of drugs when arrested
Police issue UK terror warning over fears of “copycat strike”
Harry Kane leads tributes to victims
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks on tragedy
Thirteen people died after Anis Amri rammed a semi truck into a large crowd in 2016.
Despite the additions, the Magdeburg driver appeared to have found a gap along a tramline big enough to force his car through.
The road he used was a rescue route for emergency doctors and firefighters which wasn’t being appropriately guarded, according to Bild.
He then rammed into a crowd in the city and left 205 people injured.
The driver, said to be Taleb, managed to reach speeds of up to 40mph and travelled for around 1,300ft, according to horrified witnesses.
Security expert Will Geddes told The Sun that the slight lapse of judgement with the bollards will be “very sad and regrettable” for organisers.
He said: “What is really quite surprising about this particular incident is that the last time a successful Christmas market attack took place was in 2016 – also in Germany.
“And ever since, that has brought attention to hazardous and hostile vehicle mitigation measures so you could prevent these kinds of situations from taking place.
“So what is very sad and regrettable is that the German authorities when setting up this Christmas market didn’t actually take those measures into consideration.”
The fatal market set up has sent shockwaves across the rest of Germany and Europe with security being rapidly tightened up to prevent a similar disaster in the coming days.
Several German states and major cities with festivities taking place have vowed to protect their citizens.
Berlin is already taking “preliminary measures” by calling in extra cops and guards to patrol the events.
Leipzig have taken similar precautionary action as have the states of Hesse, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate and Schleswig-Holstein.
Thousands of extra officers, including plain clothed cops, are being readied up, say the authorities.
Avalon.redMobile vehicle barriers in front of the Striezelmarkt in Germany after the attack in Magdeburg[/caption]
APGerman special police forces attended the scene on Friday[/caption]
RexConcrete barriers seen in Brussels city centre[/caption]
RexIncreased security at the Magical Maastricht Christmas market in the Netherlands[/caption]
AFPA picture believed to show Taleb[/caption]
Markus Lewe, President of the German Association of Cities, added that they are taking the raised terror warnings “very seriously and regularly adjusting measures”.
Across in the UK, the police have sent out urgent notices to take care when attending public events across the next week.
They told revellers heading to Christmas markets to be on their guard and immediately report anything suspicious.
Chief Superintendent Kris Wright from the Met Police, said: “At this time of year, we naturally see more people heading out and about to enjoy the festive period.
“We want people to enjoy themselves, but also to stay safe, so we are asking the public to report anything that doesn’t look or feel right to us.
“The power of public reporting should not be underestimated. It is never a waste of time to speak to us, or submit an online report.
“Sadly, the threat from terrorism is a real one, so it is vital that we have the support of the public, which helps our own operations and activity to keep everyone safe.”
It comes as Chris Phillips, the former head of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Security Office, told GB News he fears “copycat” attacks could now develop.
Vienna police have also announced plans to “intensify” their presence at Christmas markets in the Austrian capital as a result of the attack.
Christmas market horror
Five people including a nine-year-old child have died after a Saudi doctor deliberately drove into crowds at a German Christmas market.
At least 205 people were also injured in the attack in Magdeburg, with dozens being seriously hurt after the car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.
Armed cops caught the refugee and placed him in handcuffs next to the rented SUV believed to have been used in the chilling incident.
He was allegedly under the influence of drugs after an initial drug wipe test came back as positive, a police source told Bild.
The driver has been named locally as Taleb A.
Pictures show his home was quickly surrounded by cops after his identity was revealed as investigators raided the building at around 3:45am.
He is set to be hit with five murder charges following the rampage.
Who is Taleb A?
THE man suspected of killing five people after ramming them with his car at a German Christmas market is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor.
Ever since he was identified by local media a number of revelations about his past have emerged.
It has been reported that Taleb is an anti-Islam activist who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, according to Bild.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser confirmed to reporters today that the suspect is Islamophobic.
The doctor is also said to have shared hundreds of strange posts on his social media in the days before the attack.
One allegedly claimed he felt that Germany wanted to “Islamicise” Europe, the newspaper reported.
He is reportedly also a vocal supporter of the hard-Right AfD party.
Taleb has lived in the nearby town of Bernburg – just over 30 minutes from Magdeburg – since fleeing the Middle East.
German media say he became a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and works in the neighbouring town.
He has been officially recognised as a refugee since 2016, local media say.
German media also say they have spotted Taleb in a BBC documentary back in 2019.
Taleb A also stayed at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg numerous times in November and December.
He may have prepared the crime during these visits, according to Spiegel.
The man’s motive remains unclear.
Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.
The first two deaths were later confirmed by Mr Haseloff with city authorities confirming a total of at least 68 people were hurt.
The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.
Some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition with a huge number of emergency workers at the scene.
Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.
Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Magdeburg today and addressed a large crowd in the heartbroken city.
He described the events as “a terribly, tragic incident” as he confirmed five people have been confirmed as dead so far.
Scholz said: “What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality.
“Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them.”
“It is important that nothing remains uninvestigated, that every stone is turned,” he added.
ReutersThe smashed up BMW used by suspect Taleb A[/caption]
GettyBritish security experts have also issued a warning following an attack on a Christmas market in Germany[/caption]
