Julian Cadman, the seven-year old Sydney boy who had been missing since the Barcelona terror attack last week, has been confirmed dead.
The little boy was walking the bustling tourist promenade with his mother, who remains in hospital, when the attack occurred. His father flew to Barcelona from Sydney on Saturday to search for his son.
The family has now released an emotional statement paying tribute to their son after Spain’s Catalan Civil Safety Agency confirmed his death, news.com.au reports.
“Julian was a much loved and adored member of our family. As he was enjoying the sights of Barcelona with his mother, Julian was sadly taken from us,” reads the statement.
“He was so energetic, funny and cheeky, always bringing a smile to our faces. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and will remember his smiles and hold his memory dear to our hearts.”
“We would like to thank all those who helped us in searching for Julian. Your kindness was incredible during a difficult time. We also acknowledge we are not the only family to be affected by the events, our prayers and thoughts are with all people affected.”
ORIGINAL: Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a van that mowed into crowds on the bustling Las Ramblas tourist strip of Barcelona in the early hours of this morning – mid-afternoon in Spain.
13 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, according to current reports, with eyewitnesses saying the vehicle sped a staggering 500-metres into a pedestrian-only area at as fast as 80km/hour.
Four Australians are among the injured, smh.com.au reports, including a NSW woman who is in “serious but stable condition in hospital,” Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told media, and two Victorian men who have minor injuries.
Australian Susan McLean spoke with Sunrise from Barcelona this morning, saying “it was too close for comfort.”
“There was a tidal wave of people running from Las Ramblas around the corner down our street. They were panicked, they were running for their lives. They were screaming, they were crying hysterically. Immediately we knew something terrible had happened.”
Spain was rocked by a second attack involving a van, which ended with police shooting dead five terrorists.
According to the latest reports, a third person has been arrested in connection with the van attack in Barcelona.
