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Barcelona terror attack: Van drives into crowds in Las Ramblas killing pedestrians

At least 13 people have been killed and 50 injured after a white van drove through the city's centre on Thursday


barcelona© Photo: Rex
Hanna Fillingham
US Managing Editor
August 17, 2017
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A van ploughed into a crowded street in Barcelona on Thursday evening, killing at least 13 people, Catalonia's interior minister, Joaquim Forn, confirmed. More than 50 have been injured after the van drove into the Las Ramblas district – a busy promenade popular with both locals and tourists. Police have arrested one suspect, identified as Driss Oukabir, and are now looking for more people who may be connected to the attack.

barcelona1© Photo: Rex

A white van ploughed into the crowds on Las Ramblas promenade on Thursday evening

Theresa May sent out a statement following the news, vowing that Britain will stand with Spain against terror. She tweeted: "My thoughts are with the victims of today's terrible attack in Barcelona and the emergency services responding to this ongoing incident. The UK stands with Spain against terror."

Donald Trump, meanwhile, promised to do "whatever is necessary to help." He wrote: "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!"

barcelona© Photo: Rex

Pedestrians running from the scene

The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau sent out a heartfelt message shortly after the attack, writing that her city is one "of peace." She wrote: "Barcelona is a city of peace. Terror will not stop us from being who we are: a city open to the world, courageous and supportive."

The attack is the latest in a series of atrocities across Europe that has used a vehicle to kill people in large cities. Last July, 86 people were confirmed dead after a lorry drove into crowds in Nice, France, and in December, 12 were killed in Germany's capital, Berlin when a van ploughed into the crowds at a busy Christmas market.

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