'A black day': World leaders react to Barcelona terror attack

Leaders from Spain and around the world have offered their condolences to victims of the Barcelona attack - condemning the terrorists responsible.

In a strongly worded statement, the Spanish royal family described the attackers as "assassins… criminals who won't terrorise us".

They added: "All of Spain is Barcelona. Las Ramblas will once again be for all."

Prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who has made his way to the city, vowed that "the terrorists will never destroy a united people who love liberty over barbarism".

Local institutions such as FC Barcelona have said they are "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.

Across Europe, presidents and prime ministers have also been sending messages of support.

The UK's Prime Minister, Theresa May, said her thoughts were with victims and the emergency services responding to the terror attack, adding: "The UK stands with Spain against terror."

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "All my thoughts and solidarity from France for the victims of the tragic attack in Barcelona. We will remain united and determined."

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of The Netherlands, condemned the "cowardly attack against innocent people", and described 17 August as a "black day at a place where many people around the world gathered".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was thinking about those killed and injured "with profound sadness" - offering "solidarity and friendship alongside the Spanish people".

One of the victims is known to be Belgian, and politicians there have offered their condolences to the victim's family.

Prime Minister Charles Michel added: "No barbaric act will undermine the power and resilience of our ally."

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, said he learned of the attack with "profound sorrow and anguish".

Offering his condolences to the people of Spain, Mr Juncker added: "This cowardly attack has deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends."

A Vatican spokesman said Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, is "greatly worried" about the atrocity and is following developments closely.

The leaders of other major European cities that have also suffered terrorist attacks described the incident as "heinous" and "barbaric".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "London stands with Barcelona against the evil of terrorism."

And Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo told Spaniards: "Parisians are at your side. Barcelona and Paris are cities that share love and tolerance."

In the US, secretary of state Rex Tillerson warned terrorists that America and its allies "are resolved to find you and bring you to justice".

Donald Trump initially tweeted: "The US condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough and strong, we love you!"

In a following tweet, the President revived a widely discredited story about an Army general who supposedly halted Muslim attacks in the early 1900s by shooting the rebels with bullets dipped in pigs' blood.

He wrote: "Study what General Pershing of the United States did to terrorists when caught. There was no more Radical Islamic Terror for 35 years!"