Terror Attack: 13 killed and 50 injured as van ploughs into crowd in Barcelona
Police as well as Catalan minister of the interior, Joaquim Forn, have confirmed the deaths. Police termed it a terror attack.
Home Affairs minister on the #Barcelona attack: "We can confirm 13 deaths and over 50 injured" https://t.co/opoi2j02Mb
— Catalan Government (@catalangov) August 17, 2017
One man has been arrested so far and police denied earlier report that the attacker was holed up in a bar. "There is no one entrenched in any bar in the center of Barcelona. We have arrested one man. We treat it as a terrorist attack," police tweeted.
According to Catalan Police, an individual driver has hit several with his van.
There is an ongoing hostage situation in #Barcelona after the Van Attack at #LaRamblas, Spanish police sources say. pic.twitter.com/QHEspPwJ45
— 🔶DH🔶 (@Daesh_Hunter_) August 17, 2017
Tourists and residents were asked to move away from the entrance to Las Ramblas, said reports.
Total panic - we are all getting pushed back- la Ramblas pic.twitter.com/1MwYLfFZJc
— Aamer Anwar (@AamerAnwar) August 17, 2017
Department of Interior tweeted: "If you are in the area of ​​the center and Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona, ​​follow the directions of the agents. Keep calm."
Emergency Catalunya tweeted: "If you find yourself If you are in the area of ​​Plaza Cataluña in Barcelona stay where you are until the police say you can leave."
Sharing solidarity with the people of Barcelona, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with the victims of today’s terrible attack in Barcelona…"
PM: My thoughts are with the victims of today’s terrible attack in Barcelona…(1/2)
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) August 17, 2017
"...and the emergency services responding to this ongoing incident. The UK stands with Spain against terror," the UK PM added.
...and the emergency services responding to this ongoing incident. The UK stands with Spain against terror. (2/2)
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) August 17, 2017
US President Donald Trump tweeted to condemn the attack in Barcelona. "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!"
The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Meawhile, SITE Intel Group tweeted that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack according to Amaq News Agency of the IS.
BREAKING: 'Amaq News Agency reported #ISIS responsibility for #Barcelona attack #Spain pic.twitter.com/W8FFz7qBz6
— SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) August 17, 2017
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