Ring of steel at Christmas markets as councils plan to erect concrete bollards in pedestrianised areas to prevent Berlin-style terror attacks

• Concrete bollards in pedestrianised areas are set to be erected across the UK 
• Aim to prevent vehicles from driving into crowds - similar to Berlin attack
• Local authorites have also been told to bolster their security presence following a number of deadly terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year 

Christmas markets in Britain will be given a 'ring of steel' this year as security is ramped up to prevent potential terror attacks.

Concrete bollards in pedestrianised areas are set to be erected across the country for the festive events to prevent vehicles from driving into crowds of people - similar to the Berlin attack last year which killed 12 people.

Local authorites have also been told to bolster their security presence following a number of deadly terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year.

Local authorites have also been told to bolster their security presence following a number of deadly terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year. Pictured is police at the Manchester Christmas market on the day after the Berlin attack

Armed police officers could be seen patrolling the streets around the markets. Pictured is Southbank Centre Christmas Market in London last year

Armed police officers could be seen patrolling the streets around the markets, including at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, and increased bag searches are expected to take place. 

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told The Telegraph: 'The public may see additional protective security measures and barriers at events this year, in response to a number of vehicle-based terrorist attacks we have sadly seen both here in the UK and abroad.

'There could also be increased security checks at some events and venues so we advise the public to arrive in plenty of time to allow for this.'

Concrete bollards were put in place on bridges across the British capital, after jihadists drove a van into pedestrians at London Bridge and Borough Market in June.

And Southampton City Council has already confirmed they will be putting up the vehicle obstructions for their market, which opens on November 11. 

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: 'Councils take their responsibilities to protect their residents incredibly seriously, and this includes making sure that transport hubs are safe and that any security risks are mitigated.'

The West was put on increased terror alert over the festive period following the Berlin lorry tragedy last December.

The day after the attack, security was ramped up in major cities including, London, New York, Paris, Vienna and Dusseldorf, as fears grow of another atrocity.

Tanks were seen in the streets of Budapest, Hungary, and soldiers were pictured at the Christmas markets in Antwerp, Belgium.