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Barcelona and Cambrils attacks: 17 in critical condition as fourth arrest made – live updates Barcelona and Cambrils attacks: 17 in critical condition as fourth arrest made – live updates
(35 minutes later)
2.17pm BST
14:17
Sam Jones
Trapero confirmed that the driver of the Barcelona van has still not been identified.
He said that one of the five suspects killed in Cambrils could have been the driver in Barcelona.
He added: “We’re working on the hypothesis that the authors [of the attacks] had been planning them both for a while in the building in Alcanar, but we can’t join up all the scenarios. It was a group - we don’t have a concrete number - but we’re not discounting the idea that they were planning other attacks.”
Trapero said there would be more news in a few hours.
Updated
at 2.17pm BST
2.10pm BST
14:10
Arrested suspects did not have terrorist record
Police chief Josep Lluis Trapero, who is leading the investigation into the attacks, said none of the four suspects arrested so far have any record of terrorist activity.
Three people in Ripoll and another in Alcanar have been arrested, he confirmed. “None of them have any kind of terrorist background,” he said.
Three of those arrested are Moroccan citizens and one is Spanish, he said.
The youngest was 21, the others were 28, 34, and 27.
He confirmed that police are working on the assumption that a bomb plot was being hatched at the home in Alcanar where there was an explosion on Wednesday.
The explosion meant that a bigger attack being planned was not possible. They had to use more rudimentary methods instead, Trapero said.
He added: “It was a group, we do not know the specific number, but we do not rule out that they had other attacks in mind.”
He said there was a “clear link” between the Alcanar explosion and the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.
#MajorTrapero diu que "hi ha un lligam clar entre fets #Barcelona, #Cambrils i #Alcanar. Des d'aquí preparaven de feia temps atemptat BCN" pic.twitter.com/7OYYaRTS9p
Updated
at 2.11pm BST
1.56pm BST
13:56
Stephen Burgen
The shouts of “I’m not afraid” rang out across Barcelona’s Plaça Catalunya, repeated rhythmically by the thousands who had gathered at noon in the hot sun to pay respects to the dead and injured in Thursday’s terrorist atrocity.
Red roses were held aloft during a minute’s silence, broken only by the distant wail of a siren – a reminder that at least one of the perpetrators is still at large.
King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy joined the residents and visitors for the vigil. The Catalan president, the mayor of Barcelona and other leading political figures were also in attendance.
“Unfortunately, Spaniards know the absurd and irrational pain that terrorism causes,” Rajoy said, as he declared three days of mourning. “We have received blows like this in recent years, but we also that terrorists can be beaten.”
Afterwards, the crowds descended down Las Ramblas, the wide boulevard that runs south from Plaça Catalunya, in an act of reclamation.
1.51pm BST
13:51
Sarah Marsh
Fitzroy Davies, from Wolverhampton, who filmed the Cambrils attack (see earlier) said the suspects appeared to be using drink cans as part of fake suicide vests.
The five suspects who were all killed, were wearing fake vests, police said after conducting controlled explosions.
Davies said:
They were running from a man wearing what appeared to be a suicide jacket but it looked fake. One of our colleagues, Winston, got up and saw people running past him and shouted: “run,run”.
That’s when I started filming what was happening. I didn’t run away because I was thinking – “if this guy gets away and they need evidence then I want to help”. I watch CSI Miami and all those programmes that was one of the reasons why I did that.
It looked like he was wearing Coke cans on him. I was about 15 foot away and it didn’t look real. Within what felt like about 30 seconds the police came and shots were fired. The guy went down to the floor and then he came back up again. He was smiling. It looked like he was high on drugs. Then he was shot again and this time he didn’t get back up.
I wasn’t scared during the whole event. But afterwards I spoke to my wife and she was mad at me ... she said anything could have happened.
Updated
at 1.54pm BST
1.42pm BST1.42pm BST
13:4213:42
Catalan president Carles Puigdemont praised the person who shouted “we are not afraid” after the minute’s silence in Barcelona.Catalan president Carles Puigdemont praised the person who shouted “we are not afraid” after the minute’s silence in Barcelona.
“We are determined to win against terrorism with the best weapon that our society has and that is solidarity, freedom, respect.“We are determined to win against terrorism with the best weapon that our society has and that is solidarity, freedom, respect.
“As proof of that we had this spontaneous with this shout of ‘we are not afraid’. This has reconquered our public space. This is our weapon.”“As proof of that we had this spontaneous with this shout of ‘we are not afraid’. This has reconquered our public space. This is our weapon.”
1.36pm BST1.36pm BST
13:3613:36
Philip OltermannPhilip Oltermann
The German foreign office has revealed that 13 German nationals are among those injured during Thursday’s attack on Las Ramblas.The German foreign office has revealed that 13 German nationals are among those injured during Thursday’s attack on Las Ramblas.
Some of them were injured seriously and were still fighting for their lives, said spokesperson Martin Schäfer.Some of them were injured seriously and were still fighting for their lives, said spokesperson Martin Schäfer.
He said he could neither confirm nor rule out earlier reports that three German citizens were among the 14 who died in the attack.German media is reporting that a group of three teenage girls from Oberhausen in North-Rhine Westphalia are among those injured in the attack. Two seventeen-year-olds and one fourteen-year-old had been on a daytrip to Barcelona when the incident occurred.He said he could neither confirm nor rule out earlier reports that three German citizens were among the 14 who died in the attack.German media is reporting that a group of three teenage girls from Oberhausen in North-Rhine Westphalia are among those injured in the attack. Two seventeen-year-olds and one fourteen-year-old had been on a daytrip to Barcelona when the incident occurred.
1.34pm BST1.34pm BST
13:3413:34
Rajoy spoke of the determination of the authorities to stop the perpetrators of the attacks as quickly as possible.Rajoy spoke of the determination of the authorities to stop the perpetrators of the attacks as quickly as possible.
1.29pm BST1.29pm BST
13:2913:29
Spain’s prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, and Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, are giving a press conference in Barcelona.Spain’s prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, and Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, are giving a press conference in Barcelona.
“The fight against terrorism is what concerns us most across Europe,” Rajoy said according to a BBC translation.“The fight against terrorism is what concerns us most across Europe,” Rajoy said according to a BBC translation.
The level of terror alert in Spain will be reviewed at a meeting in Madrid on Saturday, he added.The level of terror alert in Spain will be reviewed at a meeting in Madrid on Saturday, he added.
🔴 En #DIRECTO Comparecencia de Mariano Rajoy y Puigdemont por los atentados de Barcelona https://t.co/PdbwwySsTG pic.twitter.com/QjXcglIqCK🔴 En #DIRECTO Comparecencia de Mariano Rajoy y Puigdemont por los atentados de Barcelona https://t.co/PdbwwySsTG pic.twitter.com/QjXcglIqCK
1.19pm BST1.19pm BST
13:1913:19
Kevin RawlinsonKevin Rawlinson
Responding to a question about hiring vans, May said:Responding to a question about hiring vans, May said:
We must look carefully, of course, at the powers that our police and agencies need to be able to deal with terrorism. That’s why the government has initiated a review, which we did after the attacks that took place in Manchester and London earlier this year, to look at the capabilities that our police have to deal with this threat.We must look carefully, of course, at the powers that our police and agencies need to be able to deal with terrorism. That’s why the government has initiated a review, which we did after the attacks that took place in Manchester and London earlier this year, to look at the capabilities that our police have to deal with this threat.
But, as we see from the attack in Barcelona, this is a threat that is faced across the world and we must work together to rid the internet of the poisonous material that drives terrorism and to deal with the terrorists.But, as we see from the attack in Barcelona, this is a threat that is faced across the world and we must work together to rid the internet of the poisonous material that drives terrorism and to deal with the terrorists.
1.17pm BST1.17pm BST
13:1713:17
PM: child missingPM: child missing
Kevin RawlinsonKevin Rawlinson
Theresa May says the authorities are looking into reports of a British child believed to be missing in Spain following the attacks.Theresa May says the authorities are looking into reports of a British child believed to be missing in Spain following the attacks.
In a pooled interview she said:In a pooled interview she said:
This morning, I spoke with Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, to offer my deepest condolences after the terrible attack that took place in Barcelona.This morning, I spoke with Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, to offer my deepest condolences after the terrible attack that took place in Barcelona.
And the UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Spain in confronting and dealing with the evil of terrorism and I have offered any assistance that we can provide.And the UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Spain in confronting and dealing with the evil of terrorism and I have offered any assistance that we can provide.
Sadly, I must tell that we do believe that a number of British nationals were caught up in the attack and we’re urgently looking into reports of a child believed missing, who is a British dual national.Sadly, I must tell that we do believe that a number of British nationals were caught up in the attack and we’re urgently looking into reports of a child believed missing, who is a British dual national.
The Foreign Office is offering consular assistance to those who were involved in the attack and their families and are working urgently to see if there are others who need their help. But we must work together if we are to confront this evil of terrorism.The Foreign Office is offering consular assistance to those who were involved in the attack and their families and are working urgently to see if there are others who need their help. But we must work together if we are to confront this evil of terrorism.
Also, to confront and deal with the perverted extremist ideology which drives it; ridding the internet of poisonous material and ensuring that our police and security services have the powers that they need. Terrorism is the great threat that we all face. But, together, we will defeat it.Also, to confront and deal with the perverted extremist ideology which drives it; ridding the internet of poisonous material and ensuring that our police and security services have the powers that they need. Terrorism is the great threat that we all face. But, together, we will defeat it.
1.13pm BST1.13pm BST
13:1313:13
Catalan officials have listed (in Catalan) the 34 different nationalities of those killed and injured in both attacks.Catalan officials have listed (in Catalan) the 34 different nationalities of those killed and injured in both attacks.
Les 34 nacionalitats de les víctimes mortals i ferits ens els atemptats d'ahir. https://t.co/RJnW84LyVELes 34 nacionalitats de les víctimes mortals i ferits ens els atemptats d'ahir. https://t.co/RJnW84LyVE
1.07pm BST
13:07
The foreign ministers from Germany and France are due to arrive in Barcelona later on Friday. Sigmar Gabriel and Jean-Yves Le Drian, said they wanted to their solidarity with the victims, according to El Pais.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Nice, where 86 people were killed a year ago by an attacker driving a truck, has said he will convene European counterparts next month to see how they can improve security in the aftermath of the latest attacks, Reuters reports.
“I am convinced that life will prevail over death and that we will triumph over barbarism and terror,” Christian Estrosi told reporters after honouring Barcelona’s victims on the Promenade des Anglais where dozens died on Bastille Day last year.
“It’s obvious that it is the mayors - be it in Berlin, London, Paris, Nice, Barcelona or Stockholm - that are the first to be confronted with this violence and who manage these public areas ... but we are not the ones who take part in the big national and European reforms,” he said.
Estrosi said he had taken the difficult decision to spend €30m from his budget to protect potential target areas in Nice from possible vehicle attacks, and that cities needed more money to cope with the new threats.
He said the mayors of a number of cities, which he did not name, would meet on 28 September in Nice with Julian King, the European commissioner in charge of security issues.
They would discuss ways to improve the situation and review national and European legislation and proposals that were at times too restrictive. “We won’t win the war with the rules of peace,” Estrosi said.
12.59pm BST
12:59
17 people in a critical condition
The number of people injured in the attacks in Barcelona Cambrils has risen to 130, Reuters reports citing an emergency services spokesman.
Seventeen were in a critical condition and another 30 were in a serious condition, the spokesman said.
Emergency services said in a statement that the dead and injured in the two attacks were of 34 different nationalities.
12.56pm BST
12:56
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has chaired a crisis meeting in Barcelona.
El president @marianorajoy presideix la reunió del Gabinet de Crisi del @govern, reunit al departament d'Interior. @KRLS @quimforn pic.twitter.com/jgqBa6if8W
The meeting was held to coordinate the investigation into the terror attacks.
He said on Twitter that the meeting was to “analyse the latest details of the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.”
Updated
at 12.56pm BST
12.50pm BST
12:50
Fourth arrest
A fourth person has been arrested in connection with the attacks, according to the Spanish media, citing a police source.
🔴 Los @mossos detienen a una cuarta persona relacionada con los atentados en Cambrils y Barcelona https://t.co/8yLtqWRCU9 https://t.co/kwQCKuKkgY
Updated
at 1.13pm BST
12.48pm BST
12:48
Francisco López Rodríguez, 57, is the first Spanish victim to be named in the Barcelona attack.
His wife was seriously injured in the attack on La Rambla in Barcelona, according to El Pais.
Updated
at 12.51pm BST
12.41pm BST
12:41
Carmen Fishwick
A woman waving a tiny Spanish flag during a vigil for the victims at Plaça de Catalunya was rounded on by the crowd who called on her to remove it. Members of the 20,000-strong crowd said the attacks should not be politicised and that national flags were not welcome at the event.
Gary Fisher, 57, from Notting Hill in London, a holidaymaker who attended the minute’s silence in Plaça de Catalunya, says there was a noticeable absence of national flags.
“After the minute’s silence everyone started clapping. People were chanting ‘we shall not fear’. A woman who was waving a Spanish flag, but she was shouted at to put it away. She was upset and took the flag down. Some people want to show the flag to come together as a nation. But people in the crowd were saying this was not a time for nationalism.
“After that everyone filled out and walked slowly down Las Ramblas,” he said. “It was very moving. Everyone is very calm and dignified today. It’s back to normal. Last night I was busy until 1.30am. I went to some of the bars which were packed with people, and the beach was full, and people were even playing beach volleyball.”
Updated
at 1.19pm BST
12.34pm BST
12:34
British police are to meet holidaymakers returning from Catalonia at the border to take statements, Scotland Yard’s lead for counter-terrorism policing, Mark Rowley, has said.
He added that the terrorism threat was global and nations needed to work together to defeat it.
Our thoughts are with Spain, the victims, their families and all the other people affected by yesterday’s barbaric attack in Barcelona.
We are liaising closely with the Spanish authorities and await further updates regarding the nationalities of the deceased and injured.
Officers are at UK ports today ready to meet British holiday-makers returning to the UK from the region in order to take any witness accounts. Anyone who has returned from Spain can also call the confidential hotline with information on 0800 789 321. We are also urging people who have images or footage that may assist investigators to upload them to Ukpoliceimageappeal.com
The current threat is global and it is only by working together that it can be defeated. Our network of counter-terrorism police liaison officers posted in locations around the world help us connect investigations internationally. We have a long tradition of collaboration with the very capable Spanish police on terrorism matters.
Rowley said the UK threat level remained at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
12.25pm BST
12:25
British people among the injured
Jamie Grierson
The Foreign Office said earlier it was helping a “small number” of British citizens caught up in the Barcelona attack. It has now clarified that those people were injured. A spokeswoman said:
Our thoughts are with the victims of these terrible attacks and the people of Spain.
We are currently assisting a small number of British people affected and are working to find out if any more need our help. We have deployed additional staff to Barcelona and have offered support to the Spanish authorities.
Updated
at 1.07pm BST
12.20pm BST
12:20
Following the minute’s silence in Barcelona, the crowd shouted ‘I’m not afraid’.
Standing silent in the Plaza de Catalunya, Rajoy joined the king and Carles Puigdemont, the president of Catalonia.
Rajoy and Puigdemont, who are at loggerheads as the separatist Catalan government attempts to break away from Spain, put their differences aside.
Updated
at 1.07pm BST
11.51am BST
11:51
What we know so far
Kevin Rawlinson
The death toll of the attacks in Spain has risen to 14 people; two of whom have been named: Bruno Gulotta, a father of two, and 44-year-old Elke Vanbockrijck from the Belgian town of Tongeren.
Spanish police are searching for Moussa Oukabir, who they believe was driving the van in the Barcelona attack. He is the younger brother of Driss Oukabir – one of three people arrested by police thus far.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed that it was helping a “small number” of British citizens caught up in the Barcelona attack. It would not say whether they had been injured.
Here is what we know about the related terrorist attacks that took place on Thursday and Friday:
Barcelona
A man drove a van into pedestrians in Las Ramblas, killing 13 people and injuring 100.
The first victim of the attack was named as an Italian father of two, Bruno Gulotta. He was on holiday with his partner and children, according to his workmates.
Spanish police are hunting Moussa Oukabir, the teenager who is suspected of being the driver of the van.
A minute’s silence was held in Barcelona’s main square, followed by several minutes of applause. Spain’s King Felipe and its prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, attended. A minute’s silence was also held at the EU buildings in Brussels.
A seven-year-old Australian boy, Julian Cadman, became separated from his mother, who is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Authorities say the subsequent attack in Cambrils is linked to the terrorist assault on Barcelona.
Two suspects arrested on Thursday are being held on suspicion of links to the Barcelona attack, but police say neither of them was the driver.
A second van that was believed to have been used as a getaway vehicle for the Barcelona attacker was found abandoned in Vic, 50 miles (80km) away.
Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack in Las Ramblas, but this could not be verified.
Cambrils
A second terrorist attack took place in Cambrils, a coastal town around 120km from Barcelona, in the early hours of Friday.
One person was killed and five bystanders and one police officer were injured – two seriously – when they were reported to have been deliberately hit by a car.
The attackers were wearing fake suicide vests, according to Catalan officials cited by El Pais.
The Audi A3 used in the Cambrils attack was removed by police. Its back window was smashed and it was upside down.
Police officers shot dead five suspects, some of whom were wearing what appeared to be explosive belts.
Javier Zaragoza, the head of the Audiencia Nacional, the court that deals with terror offences, said on Friday that those killed had no known links to jihadism.
Alcanar
Officials are also linking the two attacks to an earlier explosion that destroyed a house in Alcanar, killing one person and wounding at least one more. Police now say they believe explosives were being prepared at the property.
Alcanar is about 200km (124 miles) from Barcelona and 90km (56 miles) from Cambrils.
Sant Just Desvern
On Thursday, a man was found dead after a shootout at a police roadblock in a town close to Barcelona. Police said it was not connected to the attack in Las Ramblas.
On Friday morning, it emerged that the dead man – the owner of the car – was not in the driver’s seat and had in fact been stabbed to death.
A hunt is under way for the person driving the car to the roadblock.
It is now thought possible that this incident is also linked to the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, and the explosion in Alcanar.
Updated
at 1.05pm BST