Europe

Barcelona attack: Fifth person arrested for links to extremist cell

Suspect (24) bought materials for explosives and provided cars for attack, ministry says

The van that ploughed into the crowd in Barcelona, killing at least 13 people and injuring around 100 others, towed away from the Rambla on August 18th, 2017. Photograph: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images
The van that ploughed into the crowd in Barcelona, killing at least 13 people and injuring around 100 others, towed away from the Rambla on August 18th, 2017. Photograph: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images
Fri Sept 22 2017 - 08:19

A man has been arrested for alleged links to the extremist cell in the attacks in Barcelona and a nearby town, Spain’s interior ministry said.

The 24-year-old suspect of Moroccan origin purchased materials for explosives in his name and he provided vehicles for the cell members, the ministry said.

The suspect is the fifth person to be arrested in the investigation.

Three, including the latest suspect, are in custody and two others have been freed but remain under investigation.

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The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the van attack in Barcelona's Las Ramblas district and the vehicle and knife attack in the coastal town of Cambrils that killed 16 people on August 17th to 18th.

Eight members of the extremist cell died or were shot dead by police.

AP