A Catalan police spokeswoman said police had killed four attackers in Cambrils, south of Barcelona, and another was seriously injured following an operation there against what authorities called a terrorist attack.

The operation came after a van attack in Barcelona on Thursday that has so far left 13 dead.

READ: Van ploughs through crowd in Barcelona, killing at least 13

READ: Catalan police: Operation ongoing close to Barcelona for possible "terrorist attack"

READ: Two arrested over Barcelona attack not the van drivers - police