UPDATE - Van ploughs into crowd in central Barcelona

UPDATES WITH HOSTAGE CRISIS, CATALAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAYS 1 DEAD

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - A white van ploughed into a crowd in central Barcelona on Thursday, injuring several people, according to Spainish media reports.

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 on its website said several people were injured and some were also feared dead.

The newspaper said an armed attacker later entered a restaurant, where he was holding hostages; police is said to be negotiating with the assailant. 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!".

Meanwhile, the regional Catalan government spokesperson said in a statement that one person was killed and seven others were seriously injured.

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