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Barcelona and Cambrils attackers planned bigger atrocity, say police – live updates Barcelona and Cambrils attackers planned bigger atrocity, say police – live updates
(35 minutes later)
7.03pm BST
19:03
What we know so far
The death toll of the attacks in Spain stands at 14 people: Bruno Gulotta, 35; Luca Russo, 25; Elke Vanbockrijck, 44; and Francisco López Rodríguez, 60. There were 130 people injured from at least 34 countries and 17 of them are in a critical condition.
Four people have been arrested, none of whom had previous links to terrorism, and Spanish police are searching for four more men. They have been unable to confirm reports that the driver of the van used in the Barcelona attack was killed in the later atrocity in Cambrils.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed that it was helping a “small number” of British citizens and the prime minister said a child with British nationality is among the missing.
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.
Spanish police are hunting four men, including 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.
Four suspects arrested on Thursday are being held on suspicion of links to the Barcelona attack, but police say none 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.
Police officers shot dead five suspects, some of whom were wearing what appeared to be explosive belts. A single police officer was responsible for killing four of the attackers after his partner was injured.
The Audi A3 used in the Cambrils attack was removed by police. Its back window was smashed and it was upside down.
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.
Investigators are picking through the remains of the building where the explosion took place.
You can read the full report here:
Updated
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Giles TremlettGiles Tremlett
All that remains of the holiday house that used to sit on a bumpy track overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at Alcanar, 100 miles south of Barcelona, is a pile of colourful rubble.All that remains of the holiday house that used to sit on a bumpy track overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at Alcanar, 100 miles south of Barcelona, is a pile of colourful rubble.
Police now suspect this was the bomb-making factory where those who carried out the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils on Thursday and Friday were trying to build a potent explosive device.Police now suspect this was the bomb-making factory where those who carried out the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils on Thursday and Friday were trying to build a potent explosive device.
This appears to have exploded prematurely at the house late on Wednesday night, killing one person.This appears to have exploded prematurely at the house late on Wednesday night, killing one person.
The explosion rained fist-sized chunks of masonry down on to the swimming pool and garden terrace of the Hostal Montecarlo 100 metres away, while bits of human flesh landed in neighbouring gardens.The explosion rained fist-sized chunks of masonry down on to the swimming pool and garden terrace of the Hostal Montecarlo 100 metres away, while bits of human flesh landed in neighbouring gardens.
“It rocked everything and smashed some of our windows too,” said Cristina Bolz, whose family owns the hostel.“It rocked everything and smashed some of our windows too,” said Cristina Bolz, whose family owns the hostel.
One body has been recovered from the debris so far and a man who was taken to hospital with injuries has been arrested after police linked the explosion here to the attacks in Barcelona on Thursday afternoon and Cambrils in the early hours of Friday.One body has been recovered from the debris so far and a man who was taken to hospital with injuries has been arrested after police linked the explosion here to the attacks in Barcelona on Thursday afternoon and Cambrils in the early hours of Friday.
On Friday afternoon, police continued to search through the rubble, looking for more bodies and clues that might help them identify other members of the group.On Friday afternoon, police continued to search through the rubble, looking for more bodies and clues that might help them identify other members of the group.
They suspect that the men who met here wanted to fill a van with butane bottles and then blow it up.They suspect that the men who met here wanted to fill a van with butane bottles and then blow it up.
An ambulance pulled up at the site late on Friday afternoon, but it was not clear whether it was there to take another body away or as a precaution because police were planning to carry out a series of controlled explosions.An ambulance pulled up at the site late on Friday afternoon, but it was not clear whether it was there to take another body away or as a precaution because police were planning to carry out a series of controlled explosions.
The house, which had been repossessed by a bank years ago, was being squatted by a group of men who neighbours assumed were Moroccan and who came and went on powerful Kawasaki motorbikes.The house, which had been repossessed by a bank years ago, was being squatted by a group of men who neighbours assumed were Moroccan and who came and went on powerful Kawasaki motorbikes.
Police thought this meant it had been a drugs factory of some kind and initially treated the explosion as an accident. More than a dozen orange-coloured butane gas bottles were found in the rubble and Eric Groby, the next door neighbour who was first to arrive at the scene, noticed gas immediately.Police thought this meant it had been a drugs factory of some kind and initially treated the explosion as an accident. More than a dozen orange-coloured butane gas bottles were found in the rubble and Eric Groby, the next door neighbour who was first to arrive at the scene, noticed gas immediately.
“There was a hissing sound of gas escaping from somewhere and it also smelt,” the Frenchman said on Friday as he waited to be allowed back to his house after the area had been cordoned off by police and fire fighters.“There was a hissing sound of gas escaping from somewhere and it also smelt,” the Frenchman said on Friday as he waited to be allowed back to his house after the area had been cordoned off by police and fire fighters.
The force of the explosion was so strong that it had broken the plate Groby was holding in his hands, and a lump of rubble flew into his face, leaving him with a black eye.The force of the explosion was so strong that it had broken the plate Groby was holding in his hands, and a lump of rubble flew into his face, leaving him with a black eye.
Patrick Vinaros, another neighbour in this estate of mostly simple houses built in an unfashionable stretch of the Catalan coast, said the group of men who had been squatting the house for almost a year kept themselves to themselves.Patrick Vinaros, another neighbour in this estate of mostly simple houses built in an unfashionable stretch of the Catalan coast, said the group of men who had been squatting the house for almost a year kept themselves to themselves.
“We never spoke to them,” he said. “They weren’t unfriendly, but they made a lot of noise with their motorbikes.”“We never spoke to them,” he said. “They weren’t unfriendly, but they made a lot of noise with their motorbikes.”
He said the men who frequented the house seemed to be Muslims, with some wearing long beards.He said the men who frequented the house seemed to be Muslims, with some wearing long beards.
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Ashifa KassamAshifa Kassam
Soon after one the main thoroughfares in their city became the scene of a terror attack, Barcelona residents responded with an outpouring of kindness, offering places to stay, free rides and translation services to anyone caught up in Thursday’s attacks.Soon after one the main thoroughfares in their city became the scene of a terror attack, Barcelona residents responded with an outpouring of kindness, offering places to stay, free rides and translation services to anyone caught up in Thursday’s attacks.
Echoing initiatives launched after the attacks in France, Belgium and Manchester, hundreds of Barcelona residents invited people into their homes on Thursday tagging posts with #bedinbarcelona.Echoing initiatives launched after the attacks in France, Belgium and Manchester, hundreds of Barcelona residents invited people into their homes on Thursday tagging posts with #bedinbarcelona.
Miguel García Casado said he would be taking in a French couple and their two children who had been caught up in the attacks. “What movie and special dinner should we make?” García Casado wrote on Twitter.Miguel García Casado said he would be taking in a French couple and their two children who had been caught up in the attacks. “What movie and special dinner should we make?” García Casado wrote on Twitter.
The family were tourists who were staying in Penedès, some 60 miles from Barcelona, but were stranded as their car was parked in a closed-off area of Plaça de Catalunya. The night proved fun, he said. “I’m explaining to their youngest daughter what the monarchy is. I’m dying of laughter,” he wrote. “In the end, we had pizza and watched Hotel Transylvania 2,” he added, sharing a picture of the group on Twitter.The family were tourists who were staying in Penedès, some 60 miles from Barcelona, but were stranded as their car was parked in a closed-off area of Plaça de Catalunya. The night proved fun, he said. “I’m explaining to their youngest daughter what the monarchy is. I’m dying of laughter,” he wrote. “In the end, we had pizza and watched Hotel Transylvania 2,” he added, sharing a picture of the group on Twitter.
As news broke that more than 100 people had been injured in the Las Ramblas attack, dozens of the city’s residents queued to donate blood. On Thursday, authorities said they had enough reserves to attend to all of the injured.As news broke that more than 100 people had been injured in the Las Ramblas attack, dozens of the city’s residents queued to donate blood. On Thursday, authorities said they had enough reserves to attend to all of the injured.
Offers of help continued to pour in from Catalonia after police said they had expanded their operations to the coastal town of Cambrils. Some offered translation services or baby supplies while several taxi companies and ride services offered free drives to anyone who might be in need.Offers of help continued to pour in from Catalonia after police said they had expanded their operations to the coastal town of Cambrils. Some offered translation services or baby supplies while several taxi companies and ride services offered free drives to anyone who might be in need.
Public transport officials announced there would be no charge for the metro or bus services in Barcelona and Tourism Barcelona said it was working with the hotel chain Gremi D’Hotels to offer alternative hotel rooms to stranded tourists.Public transport officials announced there would be no charge for the metro or bus services in Barcelona and Tourism Barcelona said it was working with the hotel chain Gremi D’Hotels to offer alternative hotel rooms to stranded tourists.
At the Taller de Tapas restaurant – located metres from Thursday’s deadly attack – dozens packed into the restaurant after fleeing Las Ramblas. Waiters handed out water and plates of the classic tapas dish patatas bravas, doing what they could to calm people. “We had people here from all over the world and I was trying my best to reassure them,” employee Gurdeep Singh told La Vanguardia.At the Taller de Tapas restaurant – located metres from Thursday’s deadly attack – dozens packed into the restaurant after fleeing Las Ramblas. Waiters handed out water and plates of the classic tapas dish patatas bravas, doing what they could to calm people. “We had people here from all over the world and I was trying my best to reassure them,” employee Gurdeep Singh told La Vanguardia.
Immediately after the attack, police had asked the restaurant to close its doors, said Singh. But after seeing people panicking and in tears on Las Ramblas, Singh said he began inviting people to take shelter in the restaurant. “I left the door open and I was there for about six or seven hours. There were groups, kids, strollers – everything. I couldn’t not let them in.”Immediately after the attack, police had asked the restaurant to close its doors, said Singh. But after seeing people panicking and in tears on Las Ramblas, Singh said he began inviting people to take shelter in the restaurant. “I left the door open and I was there for about six or seven hours. There were groups, kids, strollers – everything. I couldn’t not let them in.”
6.10pm BST6.10pm BST
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Catalan police say they are still trying to identify the driver of the van used in the Barcelona attack, despite local media reports that he was among the five killed by officers during the later attack in Cambrils.Catalan police say they are still trying to identify the driver of the van used in the Barcelona attack, despite local media reports that he was among the five killed by officers during the later attack in Cambrils.
18:58h.Seguim treballant per identificar el conductor de la furgoneta que ahir va atemptar a Barcelona. Gràcies per la vostra col.laboració18:58h.Seguim treballant per identificar el conductor de la furgoneta que ahir va atemptar a Barcelona. Gràcies per la vostra col.laboració
5.47pm BST5.47pm BST
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Miles BrignallMiles Brignall
Flights to Barcelona are operating normally and are expected to continue to do so over the coming days, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have said.Flights to Barcelona are operating normally and are expected to continue to do so over the coming days, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have said.
BA said customers with tickets to or from Barcelona were being offered “a range of options if they wish to bring forward or postpone their journey”. However, those ­holding non-refundable tickets would face charges to change their flights. “Anyone with concerns about their booking should contact us or their travel agent,” the airline said.BA said customers with tickets to or from Barcelona were being offered “a range of options if they wish to bring forward or postpone their journey”. However, those ­holding non-refundable tickets would face charges to change their flights. “Anyone with concerns about their booking should contact us or their travel agent,” the airline said.
Travellers returning home early as a result of the attacks are unlikely to recoup the extra costs they incur. Being involved in such an attack is rare but most travel policies specifically exclude financial claims that arise as a result of a terrorist incident. It is the same for anyone who is due to fly out this weekend but who has decided not to travel.Travellers returning home early as a result of the attacks are unlikely to recoup the extra costs they incur. Being involved in such an attack is rare but most travel policies specifically exclude financial claims that arise as a result of a terrorist incident. It is the same for anyone who is due to fly out this weekend but who has decided not to travel.
Those tourists in Barcelona who were forced to spend the night in alternative accommodation because police cordons ­prevented them returning to their hotels are also unlikely to be covered.Those tourists in Barcelona who were forced to spend the night in alternative accommodation because police cordons ­prevented them returning to their hotels are also unlikely to be covered.
EasyJet, which operates 32 flights a day between Barcelona and the UK, advised passengers to check the status of their flight on its site.EasyJet, which operates 32 flights a day between Barcelona and the UK, advised passengers to check the status of their flight on its site.
The Foreign Office website warns that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain” and that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners”. It said that 12 million British people visited Spain last year and most visits were “trouble-free”.The Foreign Office website warns that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain” and that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners”. It said that 12 million British people visited Spain last year and most visits were “trouble-free”.
UpdatedUpdated
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Citizens from at least 34 countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, Venezuela, Australia, Ireland, Peru, Algeria and China, have been injured or killed, according to Catalan authorities.Citizens from at least 34 countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, Venezuela, Australia, Ireland, Peru, Algeria and China, have been injured or killed, according to Catalan authorities.
Here’s what we know so far about those who died:Here’s what we know so far about those who died:
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The king of Morocco has expressed his condolences to Spain after the Barcelona attack, over which three Moroccans have been arrested.The king of Morocco has expressed his condolences to Spain after the Barcelona attack, over which three Moroccans have been arrested.
King Mohammed VI also condemned what he called an “odious criminal act, contrary to all human values and religious precepts”. A statement carried by the state news agency MAP read:King Mohammed VI also condemned what he called an “odious criminal act, contrary to all human values and religious precepts”. A statement carried by the state news agency MAP read:
His Majesty the King expresses to King Felipe VI, and through him to all the families of victims and to the Spanish people, his sincere condolences and solidarity and compassion.His Majesty the King expresses to King Felipe VI, and through him to all the families of victims and to the Spanish people, his sincere condolences and solidarity and compassion.
Spanish police say they have arrested four people in connection with the attacks, three of them Moroccan and one from the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Morocco’s northern coast.Spanish police say they have arrested four people in connection with the attacks, three of them Moroccan and one from the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Morocco’s northern coast.
Three Moroccan nationals were among those injured during the attack and were being treated in a Barcelona hospital, according to MAP.Three Moroccan nationals were among those injured during the attack and were being treated in a Barcelona hospital, according to MAP.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.08pm BSTat 6.08pm BST
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Giles TremlettGiles Tremlett
At the suspected bomb factory in Alcanar, where it is thought the attack was planned, police are still digging through the rubble after an explosion. An ambulance also turned up.At the suspected bomb factory in Alcanar, where it is thought the attack was planned, police are still digging through the rubble after an explosion. An ambulance also turned up.
Neighbours talked of men on high-powered motor bikes going to and fro for almost a year. The explosion there rained rubble and body parts on to neighbours.Neighbours talked of men on high-powered motor bikes going to and fro for almost a year. The explosion there rained rubble and body parts on to neighbours.
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Barcelona van driver is dead – reportsBarcelona van driver is dead – reports
The man who drove the van during the Barcelona terrorist attack was later shot dead during the further attack in Cambrils, according to local media reports.The man who drove the van during the Barcelona terrorist attack was later shot dead during the further attack in Cambrils, according to local media reports.
The reports were carried in Spain’s El Pais and El Periodico newspapers. Catalan police had said earlier that it was possible the driver was among those killed in the second incident, though they could not be certain.The reports were carried in Spain’s El Pais and El Periodico newspapers. Catalan police had said earlier that it was possible the driver was among those killed in the second incident, though they could not be certain.
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at 6.09pm BSTat 6.09pm BST
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Ashifa KassamAshifa Kassam
A 26-year-old tourist from Australia who was caught up in Thursday’s Las Ramblas attack has said it was the third terrorist attack she has experienced since she began travelling Europe almost three months ago.A 26-year-old tourist from Australia who was caught up in Thursday’s Las Ramblas attack has said it was the third terrorist attack she has experienced since she began travelling Europe almost three months ago.
Julia Monaco ended up in lockdown in the London tube in June after a speeding van hit pedestrians on the London Bridge and attackers stabbed people with knives in cafes and restaurants at Borough market. Days later, she was in Paris when French police shot a man who attacked an officer with a hammer outside of the Notre Dame cathedral.Julia Monaco ended up in lockdown in the London tube in June after a speeding van hit pedestrians on the London Bridge and attackers stabbed people with knives in cafes and restaurants at Borough market. Days later, she was in Paris when French police shot a man who attacked an officer with a hammer outside of the Notre Dame cathedral.
She continued her travels, ending up in a shop off Las Ramblas on Thursday as a van ploughed into the crowds outside. The shop’s doors were locked and panic spread as people began to suspect that something serious was taking place outside.She continued her travels, ending up in a shop off Las Ramblas on Thursday as a van ploughed into the crowds outside. The shop’s doors were locked and panic spread as people began to suspect that something serious was taking place outside.
“The next second, we were literally running for our lives to the very back of the store, where we were told to get on the ground away from the windows and lay as flat as possible,” Monaco told the Australian radio station 3AW.“The next second, we were literally running for our lives to the very back of the store, where we were told to get on the ground away from the windows and lay as flat as possible,” Monaco told the Australian radio station 3AW.
Along with about 10 others – including two screaming children – Monaco hid behind a clothing display for about 30 minutes, before being evacuated by police. She later made it safely back to where she was staying.Along with about 10 others – including two screaming children – Monaco hid behind a clothing display for about 30 minutes, before being evacuated by police. She later made it safely back to where she was staying.
Monaco said she was rattled by her third brush with terror, but adamant that she would continue her travels. “I don’t feel like I want to go home,” she said. “I feel like I want to stay here and not let them, whoever they might be, win.”Monaco said she was rattled by her third brush with terror, but adamant that she would continue her travels. “I don’t feel like I want to go home,” she said. “I feel like I want to stay here and not let them, whoever they might be, win.”
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Police seek four men - reportsPolice seek four men - reports
Sam JonesSam Jones
The Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia reported late on Friday afternoon that the police were hunting four suspects. It named them as 17-year-old Moussa Oukabir – the suspect thought to have driven the van along Las Ramblas – Mohamed Hychami, 24, Younes Abouyaaqoub, 22, and Said Aallaa, 18. All live in or close to the Catalonian town of Ripoll. Oukabir’s age has also been given elsewhere as 18.The Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia reported late on Friday afternoon that the police were hunting four suspects. It named them as 17-year-old Moussa Oukabir – the suspect thought to have driven the van along Las Ramblas – Mohamed Hychami, 24, Younes Abouyaaqoub, 22, and Said Aallaa, 18. All live in or close to the Catalonian town of Ripoll. Oukabir’s age has also been given elsewhere as 18.
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Carmen FishwickCarmen Fishwick
A British family who were metres away from the Las Ramblas van attack, have praised the quick reactions of the police and the kindness of strangers, which made them feel secure.A British family who were metres away from the Las Ramblas van attack, have praised the quick reactions of the police and the kindness of strangers, which made them feel secure.
Jackie Rado, 51, and her daughter Kristin RadoBarr, 14, who were on a family holiday with Tony Barr, 46, and Alexander RadoBarr, 12, were shopping at the make-up shop Sephora 100 yards from La Rambla. The family were separated for three hours as the area was put on lockdown.Jackie Rado, 51, and her daughter Kristin RadoBarr, 14, who were on a family holiday with Tony Barr, 46, and Alexander RadoBarr, 12, were shopping at the make-up shop Sephora 100 yards from La Rambla. The family were separated for three hours as the area was put on lockdown.
‘My son was waiting for us, that was hard for him’ – Jackie Rado, 51, London‘My son was waiting for us, that was hard for him’ – Jackie Rado, 51, London
We were just about to leave Sephora, on the corner of La Rambla, and get ice -cream at La Bocqueria, but we were distracted by something on sale. We were on the ground floor and suddenly people started to race downstairs, hysterical. We were scared and no one knew what was going on.We were just about to leave Sephora, on the corner of La Rambla, and get ice -cream at La Bocqueria, but we were distracted by something on sale. We were on the ground floor and suddenly people started to race downstairs, hysterical. We were scared and no one knew what was going on.
We could hear sirens. We were right where it was happening. We were locked in the store for three and a half hours. I just kept trying not to think about it and stay calm.We could hear sirens. We were right where it was happening. We were locked in the store for three and a half hours. I just kept trying not to think about it and stay calm.
I keep pushing away the thought of what might have happened if we hadn’t done an about-turn in the store.I keep pushing away the thought of what might have happened if we hadn’t done an about-turn in the store.
‘I was very relieved when they came home. At that point we felt the danger has passed’ – Tony Barr, 46‘I was very relieved when they came home. At that point we felt the danger has passed’ – Tony Barr, 46
I was in the southwest of the area with my son, visiting football stores. As we were coming out of the metro on our way back to the hotel, people were telling us not to come to the area. There were a lot of street vendors at the top of the subway standing in a group and waving us away, telling us not to come up.I was in the southwest of the area with my son, visiting football stores. As we were coming out of the metro on our way back to the hotel, people were telling us not to come to the area. There were a lot of street vendors at the top of the subway standing in a group and waving us away, telling us not to come up.
People were panicking and rushing and screaming. They checked everyone’s ID at the hotel before entering and kept everyone updated. We were in lockdown.People were panicking and rushing and screaming. They checked everyone’s ID at the hotel before entering and kept everyone updated. We were in lockdown.
People are going out of their way to interact and smile to Muslim guests. At the toaster this morning, I discussed with a Muslim woman how hot we should put the toaster. It wasn’t forced, but I’m aware that we should all be thoughtful.People are going out of their way to interact and smile to Muslim guests. At the toaster this morning, I discussed with a Muslim woman how hot we should put the toaster. It wasn’t forced, but I’m aware that we should all be thoughtful.
I wasn’t worried for our safety, but I was very upset and angry knowing how close they were to my family. They’d been closer to it than many people. I was upset about the intent of it. I was very relieved when they came home.I wasn’t worried for our safety, but I was very upset and angry knowing how close they were to my family. They’d been closer to it than many people. I was upset about the intent of it. I was very relieved when they came home.
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at 4.43pm BSTat 4.43pm BST
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Jason BurkeJason Burke
European security services have sometimes struggled to keep up with the reaction of militant networks when prepared attack plans go awry, whether through their own deliberate intervention or some kind of unexpected accident, such as the blast at Cambrils.European security services have sometimes struggled to keep up with the reaction of militant networks when prepared attack plans go awry, whether through their own deliberate intervention or some kind of unexpected accident, such as the blast at Cambrils.
Bombs in Brussels in March last year which killed 35 people, including three attackers, came 48 hours after police raids targeting the network responsible. Several members escaped the dragnet and went on to launch an improvised operation. Rafaello Pantucci, an expert on Islamic militancy at Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said:Bombs in Brussels in March last year which killed 35 people, including three attackers, came 48 hours after police raids targeting the network responsible. Several members escaped the dragnet and went on to launch an improvised operation. Rafaello Pantucci, an expert on Islamic militancy at Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said:
There’s always an anxiety after a disruption if it’s unclear whether [the authorities] have got the entire cell or network, and what the reaction of any missing members might be.There’s always an anxiety after a disruption if it’s unclear whether [the authorities] have got the entire cell or network, and what the reaction of any missing members might be.
Some militants, such as the Barcelona attackers, respond by rushing to execute new plans. Others go to ground. Mohammed Sadiq Khan, who led the 7/7 attackers in London in 2005 suspected he had been identified as a potential threat by MI5 owing to his peripheral involvement with a network responsible for an earlier abortive operation. Khan kept a low-profile for several months, before emerging to lead his own attack.Some militants, such as the Barcelona attackers, respond by rushing to execute new plans. Others go to ground. Mohammed Sadiq Khan, who led the 7/7 attackers in London in 2005 suspected he had been identified as a potential threat by MI5 owing to his peripheral involvement with a network responsible for an earlier abortive operation. Khan kept a low-profile for several months, before emerging to lead his own attack.
Though Spain had escaped an Islamist militant terrorist attack since 2004, the country has long been among those in Europe which are seen as facing an elevated threat. Its counter-terrorist services are broadly respected by counterparts across the continent and in the US. They routinely co-operate with North African services, particularly those of Morocco.Though Spain had escaped an Islamist militant terrorist attack since 2004, the country has long been among those in Europe which are seen as facing an elevated threat. Its counter-terrorist services are broadly respected by counterparts across the continent and in the US. They routinely co-operate with North African services, particularly those of Morocco.
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Thursday’s horrific attack doesn’t just sadden me but feels like a personal assault.Thursday’s horrific attack doesn’t just sadden me but feels like a personal assault.
Read Harry Eyres’ love letter to Barcelona and, more specifically, Las Ramblas.Read Harry Eyres’ love letter to Barcelona and, more specifically, Las Ramblas.