A truck has run into a crowded Christmas market in the centre of Berlin killing at least nine people and causing multiple injuries, according to reports in the German media.

Both the Berliner Zeitung newspaper and the Berliner Morgenpost reported the truck ran into the market outside the landmark Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Monday evening.

A photo posted by the Morgenpost showed damaged tables and stalls.

The Berliner Zeitung said police believed there to be multiple injuries, but police could not immediately be reached to confirm.

Both newspapers reported that it was not immediately clear whether the incident was an accident or some kind of an attack on the market.

Police later tweeted to urge people to stay at home and refrain from spreading rumours, adding that officers were working at full speed.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Terrible news. My thoughts with all involved."

Julian King, European commissioner for the security union, tweeted: "My thoughts are with all those affected and their families in #Berlin tonight."

German police say the driver of the truck has been arrested near the scene.