Officials have said at least 13 people are dead and more than 100 are injured after a van crashed into a crowd of people in Barcelona city centre.
The incident happened in the Las Ramblas area this afternoon.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which police are treating as a terrorist attack.
There is no one entrenched itself in any bar in the center of #Barcelona. We have arrested one man. We treat it as a terrorist attack
— Mossos (@mossos) August 17, 2017
Officials in Catalonia on Thursday evening confirmed that of 80 people wounded, 15 were seriously injured. The number of injured was later updated to more than 100.
#ProteccioCivil balanç atemptat #Barcelona #Rambles pic.twitter.com/rChuJ4jGY6
— EmergènciesCatalunya (@emergenciescat) August 17, 2017
People were urged to avoid the area as emergency services attend the scene.
Authorities are also calling on people to use social networks to contact friends & family members, in order to keep phone lines free.
🚩Atropello múltiple en las #Ramblas. Se solicita a los ciudadanos no transitar por la zona de Plaza Catalunya. +info @emergenciescat
— Policía Nacional (@policia) August 17, 2017
There has just been a massive trampling on the Ramblas in Barcelona by a person with a van. There are injured
— Mossos (@mossos) August 17, 2017
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is 'strongly advising caution', and is urging anyone with concerns to contact 408-2000 or the Irish Embassy in Madrid on +34 914364093.
Both the Taoiseach and President have expressed solidarity with the people of Barcelona & Spain.
Leo Varadkar said: "An attack of this nature, targeting the people of Barcelona and visitors enjoying that wonderful city in the height of the tourist season, is both wanton and cowardly and has no place in our society."
President Higgins stated: "Barcelona has a long history of hospitality and has over the years received so many people from around the world. As President of Ireland I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but also the solidarity of the people of Ireland.”
We are aware of an incident in Barcelona and strongly advise caution. Anyone concerned can contact us at 4082000 @IrlEmbMadrid
— DFATravelWise (@dfatravelwise) August 17, 2017
