Barcelona attack: Deaths confirmed by Spanish police after van hits crowd in city centre

Police have confirmed fatalities after a van ploughed into a crowd of people in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona in what they say was a terror attack.

Catalan police said an unknown number of people have died in the centre of the Spanish city.

The El Pais reports there are at least 10 dead. Local radio, citing police sources, said there were at least 13 dead.

The number of those injured remains unconfirmed but reports suggest as many as 20 are believed to be hurt at present.

Authorities said the vehicle mounted a pavement and hit people in a "massive crash" in one of the busiest squares in the city centre.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing people running away and screaming after the incident in the popular tourist destination took place.

El Periodico newspaper reported there were between 20 and 25 people injured, citing police sources.

The El Pais newspaper reported that the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene on foot and police are on the hunt for a man about 1.70 metres tall who is wearing a white and blue stripped shirt.

Police have ruled reports that two armed men were holed up in a Barcelona restaurant.

An armed police operation is underway and residents have been told to steer clear of the city's Placa Catalunya. Police have ordered the closure of nearby train and metro stations.

Catalan police have confirmed it is a terrorist attack in a tweet in English.

More news follows