Manchester City Council has released a statement of solidarity following yesterday’s devastating terror attacks in Barcelona.
Tragic scenes unfolded in Las Ramblas yesterday afternoon, as a van ploughed into crowds of tourists killing 13 people and injuring more than 100.
Just hours later the seaside town of Cambrils was also hit by a second vehicle attack, killing a woman and leaving a further six injured.
Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Our hearts go out to Barcelona in the wake of this sickening incident. Manchester stands in solidarity with that great city.
“We know from recent experience both how devastating this sort of attack is and how important international solidarity, community spirit and a refusal to give in to terror are in dealing with its aftermath.”
This expression of commonality comes in light of a terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena in May this year, in which 22 adults and children were killed with hundreds injured.
Mohammed Shafiq also offered his condolences on behalf of the Manchester Ramadhan Foundation.
“I want express my utter disgust at the terrorist attack in Barcelona today. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the victims and the injured.
“These terrorists share an evil ideology which distorts the great faith of Islam. Let me be clear Islam forbids such despicable crimes and supports all efforts to bring the culprits to justice.”
“As Muslims we stand with the rest of humanity against such barbaric crimes. We reaffirm our commitment to peace, tolerance and protecting human life.
“The terrorists set out to divide communities and in that we must not allow them to succeed. Solidarity and love to the city of Barcelona and people of Spain.”
Others including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Manchester United took to Twitter to express their comradery.
Sending love & solidarity from Greater Manchester to @AdaColau & our friends in Barcelona – a great city whose spirit will never be broken.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) August 18, 2017
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic events in Barcelona.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 17, 2017
Police continue to investigate the attack, and have since named the suspected van driver as 18-year-old Moussa Oubakir.
Image courtesy of NBC News via YouTube, with thanks.
