A far-right demonstration was held in the city of Magdeburg earlier today, just 24 hours after a vehicle ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market.

The attack has killed five people so far, including a 9-year-old boy.

It took place at the same time as a memorial service was being held for those killed and the 200 others injured.

Speaking through an interpreter, Prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens has said one possible motive has been discussed since the arrest.

"At the moment, the motive of the suspect is dissatisfaction with the treatment of refugees from Saudia Arabia and how they've been treated in Germany," he said.

"Remigration" is written on a banner at a demonstration by right-wing groups in Magdeburg, Germany, on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, a day after a driver drove into a group of people at the Christmas market in the city. (dpa via AP)

A 50-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court in Germany over the attack.

Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect - a Saudi doctor - allegedly shared dozens of social media posts focusing on anti-Islam themes.

Speaking through an interpreter, Germany's Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, has said the motive behind the attack is still being investigated.

"At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamaphobic - we can confirm that," she said.

"Everything else is a matter of further investigation and we have to wait."

It has emerged the driver of the car used an emergency-services entrance to avoid safety bollards.

Featured image: Police emergency vehicles in front of the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Investigations continue after the suspected attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market. Credit: Matthias Bein/dpa/Alamy Live News. 21 December 2024