BERLIN — German police pressed on Monday with their investigation into a car that drove into crowds at Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade over the weekend, injuring several people and forcing organisers to halt the annual Pride march.

The incident occurred on Saturday as thousands gathered for one of Europe's largest Pride celebrations. Berlin police confirmed that officers stopped the parade after the vehicle struck participants along the route, and emergency services treated the wounded at the scene. Investigators were working to establish the driver's motive.

Christopher Street Day, held annually in Berlin, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and typically draws hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators. Organisers had promoted this year's event as a demonstration of unity against rising hostility toward LGBTQ communities across parts of Europe.

Local LGBTQ organisations announced solidarity vigils across the capital. The Lesben- und Schwulenverband in Deutschland called on residents to attend candlelight vigils in support of the injured, while community leaders urged authorities to strengthen security at future public events.

The German Interior Ministry had previously warned of increased threats against Pride events. The weekend's attack renewed debate over protection for large public gatherings in the country's major cities.