Tributes have been paid to nine-year-old André Gleissner, who was killed in an attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.

He died when a car drove into a crowd of shoppers on Friday evening, according to a local fire department.

A social media post attributed to his mother referred to him as “my little teddy bear,” expressing that he would “always live in our hearts.”

The attack also claimed the lives of four women, aged 45, 52, 67, and 75. Authorities are detaining a suspect, charged with murder, attempted murder, and dangerous bodily harm.

Community support

The children’s fire brigade in nearby Schöppenstedt remembered André, stating he participated in their youth organisation for children aged six to 12.

Their statement extended support to his relatives during this challenging time.

The Lower Saxony youth fire brigade shared its condolences with André’s family and friends, offering support and expressing deep sympathy.

An online fundraiser for André’s family has raised over €60,000 (£49,900) to date.

The attack resulted in at least 200 injuries, with some individuals in critical condition.

The identities of the four women who were also killed have not yet been disclosed.