Terror attack in Barcelona: Dozens injured after truck ploughs into crowd of people in heart of tourist district

A van ploughed into dozens of pedestrians in central Barcelona, injuring several people, as police hunt the driver.

Photos posted online show victims being helped by police officers and witnesses at Placa de Catalunya in the city centre.

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

Local media reported that the driver of the white van fled on foot and is being hunted by police.

Locals officials have requested that metro and train stations shut while rescuers deal with the emergency, and they urged people to stay away from the crash site.

Police confirmed that several people were injured in a "massive crash" and an investigation is underway.

Locals and tourists were told to avoid central Barcelona in the aftermath.

Shops have put up their shutters with shoppers inside, newspaper La Vanguardia reported.

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