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Several Christmas markets in Düsseldorf have been cleared
Photo: Erich Reimann / dpa
After the police had cleared all Christmas markets in downtown Düsseldorf due to a possible threat, the officials lifted the blockage again.
A Düsseldorf police spokesman said there had been an “abstract threat from outside” against the markets.
According to information from the dpa news agency, it was a threatening call to the police control center.
The police have therefore decided to close the markets to be on the safe side.
"Safety must come first," said the police spokesman.
According to the police, the clearing of the markets went smoothly.
All Christmas markets in downtown Düsseldorf were affected, as was the ice rink on the Kö.
In order to rule out any danger, the police also blocked all roads to the Christmas markets.
According to the police, there was no acute danger.
The shops in the city center - including those in the immediate vicinity of the Christmas markets - remained open.
At around 6 p.m., the police lifted the closures.
Whether the stands at the Christmas markets open again for the remaining evening hours after the forced break is up to the operator, the police said.
The tourist information announced on social media that the Christmas markets would remain closed for the rest of the day.
In the city center it was rather quiet on Monday evening because of the weekday, but probably also because of the sleet and low temperatures.
bbr/dpa
