German police have arrested five men suspected of planning a vehicle-ramming attack on a Christmas market in southern Bavaria.

The suspects include three Moroccans, a 56-year-old Egyptian reportedly serving as a local imam, and a 37-year-old Syrian, who are accused of plotting or encouraging the attack.

Prosecutors say the Egyptian called for the attack with the intent to kill or injure as many people as possible.

All five were remanded in custody, with formal arrest warrants issued for four, and authorities believe the threat has been averted, the Express has reported.

The arrests follow heightened security at German Christmas markets after previous deadly attacks, and the investigation remains ongoing.