Spanish police say at least two people have been wounded in a shooting in the downtown area of the city of Barcelona.
One person is said to have suffered a serious gunshot wound and has been taken to hospital, while witnesses have said that another person was bleeding from a superficial injury, after at least one armed man wearing a balaclava reportedly opened fire in the entrance and lobby of the Hotel Silken. The hotel is situated on Pintor Fortuny street, just off the city’s popular boulevard La Rambla.
After the shooting, witnesses said they saw several men fleeing through nearby side streets.
Police officers pursued the men but it is not yet clear if any of the suspects have been detained. The police searched a nearby supermarket as they tried to trace the suspects. Streets around the scene of the shooting have been cordoned off since the attack took place in the early afternoon.
The nature of the incident is unclear but officials have reportedly discounted the possibility of terrorism. La Vanguardia reported that some witnesses said there was a commotion inside the hotel and others point to a possible kidnap attempt, though that claim could not be verified.
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SOURCE: The Telegraph UK, James Badcock
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