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Barcelona attack: five suspects killed in Cambrils in second terrorist attack – latest updates Barcelona attack: 18-year-old identified as suspected van driver – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
10.46am BST
10:46
Barcelona will proudly rise stronger from this day of horror, writes Francesc Badia i Dalmases editor of DemocraciaAbierta.
It will remain a modern, attractive, cosmopolitan and increasingly global city. We are all united in this endless battle against extremism, and today there is less room than ever for what Robert Kaplan once brilliantly called the narcissism of small differences.
10.36am BST
10:36
Sam Jones
Spanish police investigating the Barcelona terrorist attack are hunting a teenager who is suspected of driving the van that ploughed along Las Ramblas on Thursday, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100.
Police sources have told Spanish media that the man they are looking for is Moussa Oukabir, the younger brother of Driss Oukabir, who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of hiring the van used in the attack. Driss Oukabir has denied involvement and is reported to have told police that his identity documents had been stolen and used to obtain the vehicle.
Catalan police believe that Moussa Oukabir, whose is reported to be 18 according to El Pais, fled the scene of the atrocity by road and is still on the run. He is also reported to be 17.
Officers have so far arrested three people, including Driss Oukabir, in connection with the attack.
10.23am BST
10:23
Haroon Siddique
In a series of tweets, the Holby City actor Laila Rouass said she hid in a freezer in a restaurant during the attack on Las Ramblas.
In the middle of the attack. Hiding in a restaurant freezer. Happened so fast. Praying for the safety of everyone here x
Gunshots just heard. Armed police running down thw street looking for someone
Helicopter right above us. pic.twitter.com/FICvu97vaz
The whole of #lasRamblas and surrounding roads in lock down with armed police everywhere.
Thank you to the staff at the restaurant for staying calm and keeping us safe. I love you Barcelona.
Rouass is partner to five times snooker world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Updated
at 10.32am BST
10.18am BST
10:18
Police have removed the black Audi used in the attack in Cambrils.
10.04am BST10.04am BST
10:0410:04
The broadcaster RTVE has published an image of the 17-year-old Las Ramblas suspect Moussa Oukabir. The broadcaster RTVE has published an image of the 18-year-old Las Ramblas suspect Moussa Oukabir.
Buscan a Moussa Oukabir como presunto autor del atentado de Las Ramblas https://t.co/4GyspDu3Rg pic.twitter.com/VRGRgjclpfBuscan a Moussa Oukabir como presunto autor del atentado de Las Ramblas https://t.co/4GyspDu3Rg pic.twitter.com/VRGRgjclpf
Moussa Oukabir is believed to be the younger brother of Driss Oukabir, who was arrested in Ripoll, north of Barcelona.Moussa Oukabir is believed to be the younger brother of Driss Oukabir, who was arrested in Ripoll, north of Barcelona.
He is reported to have told police that his identity documents were stolen before they were used to rent the van.He is reported to have told police that his identity documents were stolen before they were used to rent the van.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.12am BST at 10.20am BST
9.57am BST9.57am BST
09:5709:57
Stephen BurgenStephen Burgen
Police investigating the cell behind the attack are working on the theory that the numerous butane gas bottles at the site of the explosion in Alcanar on Wednesday were to be used in a bomb attack in Barcelona.Police investigating the cell behind the attack are working on the theory that the numerous butane gas bottles at the site of the explosion in Alcanar on Wednesday were to be used in a bomb attack in Barcelona.
An explosion occurred while they were being prepared as bombs, police assume.An explosion occurred while they were being prepared as bombs, police assume.
9.55am BST9.55am BST
09:5509:55
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
Amy Howell, 42, from Dallas was on holiday in Barcelona, when the attack took place.Amy Howell, 42, from Dallas was on holiday in Barcelona, when the attack took place.
My friend and I were walking in the area and all of sudden I dropped sunglasses and they broke. I ran into Mango, the clothing store, to grab a new pair when all of a sudden I just heard screaming. Then the next thing I know everyone was running out and there was just complete chaos.My friend and I were walking in the area and all of sudden I dropped sunglasses and they broke. I ran into Mango, the clothing store, to grab a new pair when all of a sudden I just heard screaming. Then the next thing I know everyone was running out and there was just complete chaos.
The scary thing is seeing the looks on everyone’s face as they came towards you, it was clear something horrible had happened. I shouted for my friend and the next thing we knew, we were pulling down the security gates at the shop. There were gunshots and we barricaded ourselves in, shutting all the lights off and turning off all the music.The scary thing is seeing the looks on everyone’s face as they came towards you, it was clear something horrible had happened. I shouted for my friend and the next thing we knew, we were pulling down the security gates at the shop. There were gunshots and we barricaded ourselves in, shutting all the lights off and turning off all the music.
All you could hear was silence it was really weird. Barcelona is a fun, big, busy loud city and for a good three hours you could hear a pin drop. We were just locked in the store.All you could hear was silence it was really weird. Barcelona is a fun, big, busy loud city and for a good three hours you could hear a pin drop. We were just locked in the store.
Some people were crying, a few kids crying. It was surreal. No one could believe what was going on and then an older lady either had a heart attack or stroke or something. The Mango staff ended up doing CPR and we thought she might die. The staff saved her life and she recovered but she couldn’t get into an ambulance until some time later.Some people were crying, a few kids crying. It was surreal. No one could believe what was going on and then an older lady either had a heart attack or stroke or something. The Mango staff ended up doing CPR and we thought she might die. The staff saved her life and she recovered but she couldn’t get into an ambulance until some time later.
After about three hours the police came and let us out. Me and my friend didn’t cry about everything that happened until we sat down and had a glass of wine in a cafe later.After about three hours the police came and let us out. Me and my friend didn’t cry about everything that happened until we sat down and had a glass of wine in a cafe later.
9.51am BST9.51am BST
09:5109:51
Spanish police name 17-year-old suspect Spanish police name 18-year-old suspect
Spanish police have a named a 17-year-old suspect in the Barcelona attack. Spanish police have a named a 18-year-old suspect in the Barcelona attack, El Mundo reports.
Moussa Oukabir, 17, is suspected to be the driver of Las Ramblas van. Moussa Oukabir is suspected to be the driver of Las Ramblas van.
Earlier, Driss Oukabir, originally named as the suspect, was arrested in Ripoll, north of Barcelona. He is reported to have told police that his identity documents were stolen before they were used to rent the van.Earlier, Driss Oukabir, originally named as the suspect, was arrested in Ripoll, north of Barcelona. He is reported to have told police that his identity documents were stolen before they were used to rent the van.
Updated
at 10.21am BST
9.47am BST9.47am BST
09:4709:47
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Fitzroy Davies, from Wolverhampton, was caught up in the second attack in Cambrils.Fitzroy Davies, from Wolverhampton, was caught up in the second attack in Cambrils.
He said he was in Spain for a judo camp and in a meeting with the coaches in a bar when the incident unfolded. He told the BBC:He said he was in Spain for a judo camp and in a meeting with the coaches in a bar when the incident unfolded. He told the BBC:
“These girls ran into the bar off the street and then people were running up the road. One of our guys stood up, looked and just said ‘run’, so we all ran.“These girls ran into the bar off the street and then people were running up the road. One of our guys stood up, looked and just said ‘run’, so we all ran.
This guy came running up the road and was shouting something.This guy came running up the road and was shouting something.
I didn’t know what it was, so we said call the police.I didn’t know what it was, so we said call the police.
Within 30 seconds the police was [sic] already there, jumped out of the car, started shouting at the guy; the guy was then saying something else again.Within 30 seconds the police was [sic] already there, jumped out of the car, started shouting at the guy; the guy was then saying something else again.
And then they - ‘pop, pop’ - did a couple of shots and he fell down.And then they - ‘pop, pop’ - did a couple of shots and he fell down.
He stood back up and then he stepped over the fence and he started, he was taunting, smiling and he carried on walking to the police, and then they gave it to him again, a couple more shots and then he fell to the ground.”He stood back up and then he stepped over the fence and he started, he was taunting, smiling and he carried on walking to the police, and then they gave it to him again, a couple more shots and then he fell to the ground.”
9.42am BST9.42am BST
09:4209:42
Four Cubans were injured in Barcelona and a fifth was hurt in the Cambrils attack, according to the news site Cuba Debate.Four Cubans were injured in Barcelona and a fifth was hurt in the Cambrils attack, according to the news site Cuba Debate.
The Cuban Embassy in Spain and its Consulate in Barcelona have been in contact with the families of the four Cubans injured in Barcelona. A fifth was slightly injured in Cambrils and has since been discharged from hospital.The Cuban Embassy in Spain and its Consulate in Barcelona have been in contact with the families of the four Cubans injured in Barcelona. A fifth was slightly injured in Cambrils and has since been discharged from hospital.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.43am BSTat 9.43am BST
9.34am BST
09:34
China’s foreign ministry said two people from Taiwan were severely injured in the Barcelona attack, writes Wang Zhen in Beijing. Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and its premier, Li Keqing, have both written to King Felipe of Spain to express their condolences over the terror attack in Barcelona.Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said: “China strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Barcelona, Spain. We send our condolences to the victims and their families, and express our sympathy to those who were injured.”
Hua said two people from Taiwan had been severely injured in the attack and were being treated in hospital. A Hong Kong citizen sustained light injuries and has been discharged.
Hua told reporters: “I want to reiterate here, China is firmly against any forms of terrorism, and firmly offers its support for Spain’s efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard its national security. China will also strengthen cooperation with the international community, including Spain, in this regard”
9.26am BST
09:26
Barcelona is known as a focal point of jihadist radicalisation in Spain. A study published in June by West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center, found that of the 178 individuals arrested in Spain in the last three years for terrorism-related activities almost a quarter came from Barcelona.
Nine out of every 10 detainees radicalized partly or fully while inside Spain. However, far from this phenomenon happening uniformly with respect to the size and distribution of the Muslim population across the country, it occurred in clusters. The four administrative demarcations where detainees radicalized coincide with their residence: the Catalonian province of Barcelona (23.2%), the North African city of Ceuta (22.2%), Madrid and its metropolitan area (19.2%), and Melilla, the other Spanish enclave surrounded by Moroccan territory (12.1%).
9.06am BST
09:06
Sarah Marsh
Max Gayler, 23, from Birmingham witnessed the aftermath of the attack in Barcelona.
He said:
I am sat right where I was yesterday. I live close to the centre and was walking to see a friend on other side of city when I heard screaming, lots of it at first. Half a second later people started coming down a really narrow ally surround Las Rambas. Everyone was yelling at me and telling me to run. Then the police turned up and they were also telling people to run down the street
I left immediately. I was very lucky I didn’t see anyone initially hit but as I walking away I went past one of smaller local health centres. I saw someone surrounded by people.
When it happened you just join the crowd – the fear hits you and you just immediately need to get away. It feels surreal. You run for about 30 seconds and then stop and check to see if it’s real. Police were pushing people back. By the end of last night you could not get anywhere near the centre, everything was shut down.
Lots of people were stranded. I have a friend who was at top of Las Rambas in a cafe and they were locked in for two and half hours. Hotels were keeping people in and helping people in whatever way they could. Some time in the night the police pushed the tape back and allowed people to access Las Rambas again.
The atmosphere today is very strange – people are going about their businesses as if nothing happened. It’s very quiet. Barcelona is notoriously loud and never sleeps but lots of people very quiet right now.
Updated
at 9.07am BST
9.00am BST
09:00
Australian boy missing
A seven-year-old boy who became separated from his mother is missing after theBarcelona terror attack, his Australian family say.
Sydney man Tony Cadman has posted on Facebook that his grandson Julian Cadman is missing and the boy’s mum Jom is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
His father Andrew Cadman said he had spoken to his son only hours before he went missing. Cadman was travelling to Barcelona to search for Julian.
His family have been sharing a photo of Julian to help in the search for the boy.
The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, has said one Australian is missing and four others have been injured in the attack.
8.58am BST
08:58
The authorities investigating both the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks believe a cell of eight people may have been involved, according to Reuters. They had been planning an attack with gas canisters, it said citing an unnamed judicial source.
8.53am BST
08:53
PA has more on injuries to an Irish family caught up in the Barcelona attack.
A five-year-old Irish boy suffered a broken leg when his family was caught up in the terror attack in Barcelona, The boy’s father also has leg injuries.
Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney, said: “They are not life-threatening, I’m relieved to say.
“But in a way it’s a miracle that more Irish people weren’t involved, given that there are so many Irish people in Spain, Barcelona and Cambrils at this time of year.”
The father and son were part a family of four, including the mother and a daughter, and are understood to have been on a trip to celebrate the boy’s birthday.
The youngster suffered a broken femur.
The mother and father are understood to be from Cebu in the Philippines and are naturalised Irish citizens. They hold dual citizenship. The children were born in Ireland.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting the family.
Its officials opened a hotline in Dublin for anyone concerned about relatives in Spain on 01-408 2000 while the Irish Embassy in Madrid was also fielding calls on +34 9143 64093.
8.42am BST
08:42
Cambrils suspects wearing fake suicide vests
The suspects in the Cambrils attack were wearing fake suicide vests according to Catalan officials cited by El Pais.
Controlled explosions confirmed the vests were fake, according to a Catalan radio journalist.
All five suspects were shot dead by police.
A similar tactic was used in the London Bridge attack in June. All three of the attackers in that incident wore leather belts that were attached to disposable water bottles wrapped in silver masking tape, an attempt to replicate a suicide bomb belt.
8.24am BST
08:24
Matthew Weaver
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is helping an Irish family of four caught up in the attack.
A father of two, originally from the Philippines but who lives in Ireland was on holiday with his wife and two children, when he was hit on the side.
He may need an operation but his injuries are not life threatening, Dr Emmanuel Fernandez, consul general of the embassy of the Philippines in Madrid, told the Irish broadcaster RTE.
8.15am BST
08:15
Sarah Marsh
If you witnessed the attack in Las Ramblas or Cambrils, or have been affected by them, you can share your experiences with us here.
Alternatively, you can share eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips via GuardianWitness or via WhatsApp by adding the contact+44(0)7867825056. You can also email: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
We’ll use a selection of responses in our reporting.
Please think about your security first when recording and sharing your content and follow the advice of local authorities.
Updated
at 8.18am BST
8.12am BST
08:12
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
A third suspect has been arrested on Friday morning in Ripoll, north of Barcelona. Driss Oukabir, originally named as the suspect, was arrested in the same town on Thursday. He is reported to have told police that his identity documents were stolen before they were used to rent the van.
Here is what we know about the related terror attacks that took place on Thursday and Friday:
Cambrils
A second terror attack took place in Cambrils, a coastal town around 120km from Barcelona, in the early hours of Friday morning.
Six bystanders and one police officer were injured – two seriously – when they were reportedly deliberately hit by a car. An overturned Audi A3, with its back window smashed, was pictured at the scene.
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.
Barcelona
Authorities say the Cambrils attack is linked to the terrorist assault on Barcelona on Thursday, when a man drove a van into pedestrians in Las Ramblas, killing 13 people and injuring 100 more.
The driver escaped the scene and remains at large.
Two suspects arrested on Thursday are being held on suspicion of links to the Barcelona attack, but police say neither of them is 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, 80km away.
Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack in Las Ramblas, but this could not be verified.
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 around 200km (124 miles) from Barcelona and 90km (56 miles) from Cambrils.
Sant Just Desvern
On Thursday, a shootout at a police roadblock in a town close to Barcelona left a man dead. 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 now underway for the person driving the car to the roadblock.
It is possible that this incident is also linked to the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, and the explosion in Alcanar.
Updated
at 9.01am BST