UPDATE 3 - Van ploughs into crowd in central Barcelona

UPDATES WITH SUSPECT IDENTIFIED, TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY'S STATEMENT, US' TILLERSON

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - At least 13 people were killed and dozens others were injured when a white van ploughed into a crowd in central Barcelona on Thursday, according to Spanish media reports.

According to El Pais, police sources confirmed it was a terrorist attack that left 13 people dead and 32 others wounded.

El Pais also said a suspect had been identified. His name is Driss Oukabir, who according to his profile in social networks is said to be originally from Marseille, France, and resides in Ripoll, Spain. The suspect allegedly rented the white van involved in the attack.

Radio Television Espanola also tweeted that police were now trying to negotiate with two suspects, who were entrenched in a bar in Barcelona.

Earlier, in a series of tweets on its official account, police requested citizens not to transit through the area of Plaza Catalunya.

"Remember to always follow information from official sources. If you are in BCN [Barcelona], avoid Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya," it tweeted.

In another tweet, it said: “Out of respect to the victims and their families, please, do not share images of injured in a trampling of #Ramblas of Barcelona.”

Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia said an armed attacker had entered a restaurant, where he was holding hostages. It remains unclear if the suspect who is holding hostages at the restaurant is the same person who ploughed into the crowd.

Police did not comment on the hostage situation, but only sent out another tweet saying: "If you are in the #Ramblas avoid transiting the area, remains in safe area and facilitates the work of the police. not spread images!".

At the time of attack, the famous street La Rambla was teeming with people, including tourists; the city is visited by some 100 million tourists each year.

In a written statement, Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the terrorist attack.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Barcelona today (17 August)," the statement said.

"We extend our deepest condolences and wish fortitude to the families of those who lost their lives, and speedy recovery to those wounded in these heinous attacks which display once again the brutal face of terrorism, and target all humanity.

"We reiterate our resolve to maintain our solidarity with Spain which is a friend and an ally of Turkey, and to provide all kinds of support to this end."

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the incident has the hallmarks "of yet another terrorist attack".

"We offer our condolences to the loss of life, and the injuries that have occurred to so many innocent people yet again," he said. "Terrorists around the world should know the United States and our allies are resolved to find you and bring you to justice."

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni also expressed solidarity with the victims. "Beautiful and friendly Barcelona is under attack. Italy close to local and Spanish authorities. Thoughts addressed to people affected," he tweeted.

*Michael Hernandez contributed from Washington