Manchester bombing survivor caught up in Barcelona terror attack

Terror in Spain: The scene of the attack in Barcelona
@martassole
Fiona Simpson18 August 2017

A man who survived the Manchester bomb attack cheated death twice after being caught up in the van rampage in Barcelona.

Chris Pawley was just yards from the spot where terrorists ploughed into crowds on Las Ramblas killing 13 people on Thursday.

The 30-year-old had been enjoying a trip to the Spanish city with partner Corey Lorde for a festival when attackers struck, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Mr Pawley, who lives in Manchester, told the MEN: “We were in the area after the incident. We have just come back to the hotel, as we were caught up in the arena attack – can’t believe it.

“There was police everywhere and ambulances, the shops started putting the shutters down.”

The pair spoke of their shock after being caught up in the Manchester terror attack in May when suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up as fans left an Ariana Grande concert at the city’s arena.

Terror attack: A van mowed down pedestrians in Barcelona
AP

The couple had left the gig early and were crossing a footbridge into Manchester Victoria station when the blast happened.

Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures

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Three people have been arrested over the attack in Barcelona as police launched a man hunt for the driver of the rented white Transit Van which veered into crowds killed 13 people and injuring 100.

Distraught bystanders comfort a man in the street following the attack
EPA

Police shot dead five suspects during second attack in the seaside resort of Cambrils after an Audi A3 was rammed into crowds injuring seven people including a police officer.

Detectives are probing a theory that the attacks are linked, as well as an explosion at a house in Alnacar which left one person dead and six injured.

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