Cristiano Ronaldo expressed grief after a van ploughed into crowds in the heart of Barcelona on Thursday. Spanish media reported at least 13 people were killed, in what police said they were treating as a terrorist attack.
The Real Madrid star joined several others in condemning the attack. “Dismayed at the news coming from Barcelona. All the support and solidarity (to) the family and friends of the victims,” he wrote on Twitter.
Regional authorities said one death had been confirmed so far, with 32 injured, 10 seriously. But radio station Cadena Ser cited police sources as saying the death toll was much higher.
{{/usCountry}}Regional authorities said one death had been confirmed so far, with 32 injured, 10 seriously. But radio station Cadena Ser cited police sources as saying the death toll was much higher.
{{/usCountry}}READ | Real Madrid’s confidence contrasts with Barcelona’s concern as La Liga begins
Police said they said were searching for the driver of the van who, according to local media, fled the scene on foot.
Spanish newspaper El Periodico said two armed men were holed up in a bar in Barcelona’s city centre, and reported gunfire in the area, though it did not cite the source of the information.
It was not immediately clear whether the incidents were connected.
READ | Luis Suarez out for 4 weeks with right knee injury, blow for FC Barcelona
A source familiar with the initial U.S. government assessment said the incident appeared to be terrorism, and a White House spokeswoman said President Donald Trump was being kept abreast of the situation.
Media reports said the van had zigzagged at speed down the famous Las Ramblas avenue, a magnet for tourists.
(With inputs from Reuters)