The Dutch king and queen, prime minister and other party leaders are among those who have sent their condolences to the Spanish people following Thursday night’s terrorist attacks in Spain.

At least three Dutch people are known to have been injured when a white van ploughed into pedestrians walking along Barcelona’s Ramblas in the centre of the old city. Thirteen people died and around 100 were injured in the attack on the popular tourist hotspot.

According to international news agency AFP at least people from at least 18 different nationalities are among the dead and injured.

King Willem-Alexander and queen Maxima used their Facebook page to send their condolences.

‘We are at one with those affected by the Barcelona attacks and united with everyone in Spain and elsewhere who turn their backs on terror and work for a society without fear,’ the short statement said.

Politicians

Prime minister Mark Rutte said the events in Spain were a ‘black day’.

Describing the scenes after the attack as ‘terrible’, Rutte said: ‘Our thoughts are with the many victims and the wounded. We are following events closely. And the Netherlands is ready to offer help if necessary.’

Other party leaders expressed similar sentiments.

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-Islam PVV, embedded a video of the victims lying on the ground in his Twitter feed.

‘Once again, hollow phrases from the big coward who is responsible for open borders and even more Islam,’ Wilders said of the prime minister’s statement. He later urged a recall of parliament to discuss closing Dutch borders.

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