Barcelona terror attack: 13 dead after van ploughs into pedestrians

BARCELONA - At least 13 people are reported dead and more than 30 are injured after a terrorist in a van ploughed into pedestrians in a famous street packed with tourists and locals in central Barcelona.

The van zigzagged as it slammed into victims on tree-lined Las Ramblas promenade before the armed attacker ditched the vehicle and took hostages in a Turkish restaurant nearby.



Photos and video posted online show bodies, some motionless, scattered on the floor and victims being helped at Placa de Catalunya.

Video shows a stampede as terrified witnesses flee through the streets after the vehicle slammed into people on the street which is highly popular with tourists.

The city's metro and train stations have been shut and people have been ordered to stay away from the city centre and stay indoors.



Spanish media cited unnamed police sources who said at least 13 people were killed. Local officials confirmed at least 32 people were hurt, 10 seriously.

No terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack, which was celebrated by ISIS and its supporters on social media.

After the van attack, hostages were taken by at least one armed man at the nearby Luna de Istanbul restaurant, according to local reports.

The El Periodico newspaper had earlier reported gunfire in the La Boqueria food market.

Armed police officers have surrounded the restaurant while they negotiate with the attacker.