SLAUGHTERED ON THE STREET
At least 13 dead and 80 hurt in Spanish attack
AT least 13 people were killed and 80 injured last night when Islamist terrorists drove a van into crowds of tourists in Barcelona.
Witnesses told how the white Fiat ploughed into shoppers and holidaymakers at around 50mph on the Spanish city’s iconic Las Ramblas street.
Terrified British families with young children were caught up in the horror as people ran for cover after the hired van zig-zagged almost 400 yards down the pedestrian area.
Officials said 15 of those hurt were in a critical condition and feared the death toll could rise.
Islamic State last night claimed responsibility for the latest sickening attack. Anti-terror police confirmed Driss Oukabir, 28, a Morrocan-born
Spanish resident, who is suspected of having rented the van used in the attack, was one of two people arrested.
Another attacker was reported to have died in a shoot-out in Sant Just Desvern, on the outskirts of the city.
More than two hours after the attack at around 5pm local time began police chased a white Ford Focus for almost two miles before it smashed through a police cordon, injuring two officers. The man produced a gun.
Oukabir is said to have spent time in a Spanish jail. He is understood to have rented the vehicle in a small town outside Barcelona after arriving from Morocco on August 13.
According to newspaper Clarin, two years ago on an internet forum, when asked: “On your first day as king of the world, what would you do?” Oukabir replied: “Kill the infidels and only let Muslims follow the religion.”
He was in Madrid earlier this year and officers are tracing his movements to find any people he may have contacted.
Reports in Spain said Oukabir was arrested last night after turning up at a police station in his home town of Ripoll, Girona, 65 miles north of Barcelona,
He said his identification documents had been stolen. He told officers he had gone to police after seeing his photograph in the media.
Oukabir reportedly told police his documents had been stolen by his brother and officers were investigating whether he played any role in the attacks.
Police tweeted: “We confirm two arrests.”
Witnesses told how the carnage unfolded near the Plaza de Catalunya, a large square along the thoroughfare.
Tom Markwell from New Orleans, who was just arriving in a taxi, said: “I heard a crowd screaming. It sounded like they were screaming for a movie star. I saw the van. It had already been busted on the front.
“It was weaving left and right, trying to hit people as fast as possible. There were people lying on the ground.”
A second van linked to the attack in Barcelona was found in the town of Vic 43 miles away.
Nurse Albert Tort, 47, who lives on the Ramblas, said the scene was “a total disaster”.
He added: “The police would not let me pass but I identified myself as a nurse and I passed. What I saw was a total disaster. I counted at least six dead. I tried
to revive a young man but it was impossible.”
Public transport was last night suspended and shops closed down as the authorities put the central area on lockdown.
Emergency services said people should not go near Plaza Catalunya and requested the closure of nearby train and metro stations.
In London, Foreign Office staff were liaising with the Spanish authorities in case any Britons were killed or injured.
A spokesman said: “We are in contact with the Spanish authorities and seeking more information following an incident in Barcelona. Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the emergency services.”
Joaquim Forn, interior minister for the Catalan region, said: “Unfortunately the number of fatalities will likely rise.”
It was confirmed yesterday that a Belgian national was among the dead.
The attack is Spain’s worst since 192 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured in the 2004 Madrid commuter train bombings – linked to al-Qaeda.
But two months ago, the CIA are thought to have warned local police that Las Ramblas, which attracts about 100 million visitors each year, could be the target of a terrorist attack.
Last night Prime Minister Theresa May led the international condemnation of the “terrible attack”, adding: “The UK stands with Spain against terror.”
Donald Trump said the US stood ready to help Spanish authorities, adding: “The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help.”
The President added on Twitter: “Be tough and strong, we love you.”
US First Lady Melania Trump wrote: “Thoughts and prayers to Barcelona.” Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Terrible reports from Barcelona.”
Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted: “The terrorists will never defeat a united people who love liberty over barbarity. All of Spain is with the victims and families.
“I am heading to Barcelona. Maximum co-ordination to arrest the attackers, reinforce security and attend to those affected.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “My thoughts are with the victims of this barbaric terrorist attack in the great city of Barcelona and with their brave emergency services. London stands with Barcelona against the evil of terrorism.” Real Madrid footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos both tweeted their solidarity with the victims.
Ronaldo wrote: “All support and solidarity to the family and friends of the victims.”
And Ramos wrote: “No to terrorism. No to the dictatorship of fear.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989, tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear about the attack in the wonderful city of Barcelona. What purpose this barbarity serves is beyond comprehension.”