Spanish police say a twelve-person terror cell, that carried out two attacks in Catalonia, had collected 120 gas canisters and was planning to use them in vehicle attacks. The canisters have been found at the house that blew up in Alcanar on Wednesday night. 13 people were killed in Thursday's van attack down a central boulevard in Barcelona, and another died in a second vehicle attack the next day in Cambrils. CGTN's Dan Williams has the story.

 

Continuing the manhunt for the suspected driver of the Barcelona attack. Police have set up scores of roadblocks across the region. Their main focus is on Younes Abouyaaquoub. A 22-year-old Moroccan suspected of carrying out the attack in Barcelona that killed 13 people. Catalonia officials say they have neutralized the terror threat. But there is a fear Abouyaaquoub may have escaped from Spain.   

 

JOSEP LLUIS TRAPERO CATALAN POLICE CHIEF  "I'm not saying we have any specific information but clearly it's a possibility. He could have crossed a border by some means."  Police also confirmed that more than 120 gas canisters have been found at this house in Alcanar. Two people died and another was seriously injured following an explosion here on Wednesday night. 

 

Authorities believe the terrorists had initially planned a much bigger attack using explosives. The twin attacks killed fourteen people. One of the victims was seven-year-old Julian Cadman a dual British-Australian national. A special service was held at Barcelona's iconic basilica, Sagrada Familia. Spain's King Felipe VI, as well as the Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, were among those that attended, along with the families of the victims. Cardinal Juan Jose Omella used the occasion to call for peace and unity.  

 

JUAN JOSE OMELLA ARCHBISHOP OF BARCELONA "I am close to all of you in this painful moment. I am really there with you. May god bless you."  For those that attended the service, a mixture of feelings.

 

 "We are nervous. It is obvious. It is a human being. We are afraid yes. But we need to start again and we have to be really, really strong." Signs of unity abound. Portuga's President Marcelo Rebelo and Prime Minister Antonio Costa had coffee at a caf in Las Ramblas. They hoped the gesture would send a message of unity to the terrorists. While at Camp Nou fans of both Barcelona and Real Betis joined together in a show of solidarity ahead of their La Liga match. 

 

 

"It is hoped a reinforced police presence will give fans attending this football match a sense of security. Local authorities are determined that events such as this continue as normal that although Barcelona is hurting it has not in any way been broken. Dan Williams, CGTN, Barcelona.