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Spain ups security at tourist spots in wake of Nice attack

Fiona Govan
Fiona Govan - [email protected]
Spain ups security at tourist spots in wake of Nice attack
The interior ministry said it would boost police presence at airports. Photo: AFP

Spain is tightening security measures at airports, tourist spots and on its border with France in the wake of the terrorist attack in Nice last night which left 84 dead.

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Spain's Interior Minister announced that security measures would be enforced at the nation's airports, busy tourist zones and with the border in France following the "jiadist inspired" attack on the Cote D'Azur.

Following an emergency terror threat meeting involving the interior ministry, national and regional police forces, the civil guard and intelligence agencies, it was decided not to raise the risk alert level beyond from four to five.

 

Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said Spain and France had agreed to continue enforcing tighter police controls at border crossings that were introduced for the recent European football championship and the Tour de France.

Speaking after meeting with Spanish police officials and political party representatives, he said maximum alert level five would be applied only if security officials unanimously felt a terror attack was imminent.

He confirmed that Spain has stepped up police controls in transport centers such as airports, tourism sites and places where large numbers of people gather.

Spain’s Interim Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gave a televised address to the nation at 9am on Friday calling it “a day of deep sorrow for the all those who have lost their life and their liberty” in the Bastille Day attack.

READ MORE: For the latest on the Nice attack visit The Local France

He confirmed that as yet there were no reports of Spanish victims but vowed to “work together with our partners and allies to end this criminal madness.”

Spain will fly official flags at half mast today and government buildings will hold a minute’s silence at midday in solidarity with the French.

“We feel the pain as our own, we want to express our solidarity to our French neighbours and friends, we are at your side,” said Rajoy.

Spain’s Royal Household and political party leaders all sent messages of support and condolence to the French people.

Rajoy tweeted that he was "concerned and worried by the news arriving from Nice", and offers condolences to victims and French people.

 

The Socialist leader said he was "troubled" by news from Nice. "Solidarity with victims and all our support to French people".

The leaders of Podemos and Ciudadanos expressed similar messages in posts sent out after news of the attack.

 

 

READ MORE: For the latest on the Nice attack go to The Local France

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