SPAIN TERROR ATTACKS: UK’s Foreign Office issue new travel and safety advice

FOLLOWING the two terror attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils  in the north of Spain the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has update its travel advice for the country.

In an update on their website they say, “The British Embassy in Madrid and Consulate General in Barcelona are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking further information following incidents in the Las Ramblas area of central Barcelona and Cambrils, near Salou (100kms south west of Barcelona).

“If you’re in the immediate area you should take care and follow the advice of the local security authorities; press reports suggest that some public transport, particularly the metro, has been affected.

“If you’re caught up in an ongoing incident, turn any mobile phones or other devices to silent, and do not put your location on social media. Follow the advice of the local authorities when instructed.

“If you are safe, follow the instructions of the Spanish authorities and notify friends and family via social networks, to avoid using phone lines.

“A helpline has been set up on 0034 93 214 21 24, although some callers have experienced problems with the line. The Spanish authorities are working to resolve this.

Thirteen people died and more than 100 were injured in the vehicle attack in Las Ramblas, Barcelona and six civilians and one police officer were injured, two seriously, when an Audi A3 ran over them in Cabriles sixty miles away.

The Spanish police killed five suspected terrorists who were wearing fake explosive vests in  the Cabriles attack. 

At least 18 different nationalities were among the Las Ramblas victims from France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Argentina, Venezuela, Belgium, Australia, Hungary, Peru, Romania, Ireland, Greece, Cuba, Macedonia, China, Italy and Algeria.

A manhunt is still underway for the driver of the van involved in the Barcelona attack.

The terror attack threat level in Spain remains at 4 – which indicates it is not believed that another attack is imminent.