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Former Holby City star live tweets as she hides in restaurant during Barcelona attack

The attack has left at least 13 people dead

Former Holby City star Laila Rouass has revealed she was caught up in the Barcelona attack on Thursday.

A white van ploughed into pedestrians in the popular area of Las Ramblas yesterday and has left at least 13 people dead.

Laila, who also starred in Footballers’ Wives, live tweeted during the terrifying ordeal.

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In a message on Twitter, the actress revealed she was “hiding in a freezer” in the aftermath of the situation.

She wrote: “In the middle of the attack. Hiding in a restaurant freezer. Happened so fast. Praying for the safety of everyone here x.”

Laila, 46, continued: “Gunshots just heard. Armed police running down the street looking for someone.

“Hearing 1 suspect just been shot.

“The whole of #lasRamblas and surrounding roads in lock down with armed police everywhere.”

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, who is married to snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan, went on to give her 22.5K followers updates of the attack as it was happening.

She ended the messages by thanking the staff at the restaurant for “staying calm and keeping us safe”.

She said: “Thank you to the staff at the restaurant for staying calm and keeping us safe. I love you Barcelona.”

Fans rushed to comfort the star, who played Sahira Shah in Holby City for one year.

One fan wrote: “Stay safe @lailarouass hope your OK.”

Another added: “Praying for everyone in Barcelona. Stay safe.”

“Hope you’re OK, sending my love,” a third tweeted.

On Thursday afternoon the van smashed into the popular tourist destination that was packed with people.

It was said that the driver attempted to try and hit as many people as possible. Some were tragically killed and injured while others tried fleeing the area and took cover in shops and cafes.

13 people have been confirmed dead so far and 100 more are reported injured.

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Spanish police are treating it as a terror attack.

Shortly after it was then reported that another car had ploughed into pedestrians in the resort town of Cambrils in the city.

Six people were injured and a police officer was hurt too. It’s been said that five attackers were then shot dead by police.

Tributes have already started pouring from famous faces all over the world for the victims.

Streetmate’s Scarlett Moffatt tweeted: “More heartbreak. Sending my love to Barcelona #Barcelona.”

https://twitter.com/ScarlettMoffatt/status/898303164293709824

Barack Obama paid tribute as he wrote: “Michelle and I are thinking of the victims and their families in Barcelona. Americans will always stand with our Spanish friends. Un abrazo.”

Singer Jennifer Lopez added: “Sending you much love and peace to the great city of and all its beautiful people. ❤️.”

“Horrific details from Barcelona terror attack. These brain-washed vermin have no soul to perpetrate such evil,” Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan said.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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