tourist hotspot Las Ramblas – as ‘one suspect is killed in shootout with cops’ and second is arrested
DEPRAVED terrorists have killed at least 13 people and injured 64 in Barcelona using a rented van which they zigzagged through a busy shopping district mowing down terrified tourists.
Cops have confirmed that one man has been arrested while another suspect has reportedly been shot and killed during a gun fight with brave officers in Sant Just Desvern – a small town east of the Catalan capital.
In chilling echoes of the London Bridge attack, armed police have stormed La Boqueria open-air market amid claims that two terrorists are armed with rifles.
Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reports that one suspect has been arrested by brave Catalan cops.
Cops clad in black and carrying machine guns were seen entering the market backed up by regular police armed with pistols.
Footage has emerged of terrified people being evacuated as police locked down and surround the area where the suspects are reportedly holed up.
And a third man, believed to be the van driver, is being hunted amid reports he too is holed up in the Turkish restaurant.
One of the vans involved in the deadly attack was reportedly rented by a man named as Driss Oukabir who is said to be a Spanish national of North African descent.
A huge emergency response rushed to the scene on the iconic Las Ramblas tourist hotspot at around 4pm today.
Metro lines have been shut and shoppers and pedestrians were ordered to run into buildings as armed police flooded the area.
The “massive crash” involved a white van mounting the pavement, police said as they confirmed they are treating it as a terror attack.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said he is in contact with all authorities.
The driver of the rented Fiat van, registration 7082 JWD, ran away from on foot after the smash.
Investigators also found a SECOND van 70km away in the town of Vic that they believe is connected with the attack.
Cops have ordered shops and cafes in the area to shut and are searching for a man between 5ft 5in and 5ft 6in dressed in blue and white striped clothes.
The crash van entered a pedestrian area at the junction of Las Ramblas and Placa Catalunya.
Reports say it ploughed into people outside a Kosher food shop, although this is yet to be confirmed.
Marc Esparcia, a 20-year-old student who lives in Barcelona, told the BBC: “There was a loud noise and everybody ran for cover.
“There were a lot people, lots of families [at the site], this is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona.
“I think several people were hit. It was horrible, there was panic. Terrible.”
He said he was now taking cover inside a Starbucks coffee shop.
Barcelona FC wrote in a statement: “Our hearts are made smaller by this attack. Sending strength and love to the victims, their families and the citizens of Barcelona”.
A local festival planned for tonight has been cancelled in response to the slaughter.
