HAMPSHIRE County Council flags have been lowered to half mast at the authority’s headquarters in Winchester, in an expression of sympathy and solidarity following last week’s attacks in Spain.

Thirteen people were killed on Thursday afternoon when a van was driven at dozens of people on Barcelona's Las Ramblas. A woman died in a second vehicle attack early on Friday, in the town of Cambrils.

Council leader Roy Perry said: “This is another tragic and senseless attack on innocent people. At this time of shock and sadness across Europe, and on behalf of the people of Hampshire, I offer our sincere condolences to the Spanish people. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and their families at this very sad time.”