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Flashmob prank sparks 'terror attack' panic in Spanish resort

Fiona Govan
Fiona Govan - [email protected]
Flashmob prank sparks 'terror attack' panic in Spanish resort
Hundreds ran from what they thought was a terrorist attack. Photo: @davidschelvis96 / Twitter

Holidaymakers in the Catalan beach resort of Platja d’Aro thought they were caught up in a terrorist attack on Tuesday evening after a group of German women staged a flashmob.

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The stunt, staged by German women, took place around 10pm in an area of packed restaurants.

The group burst onto the scene brandishing what people believed were guns and screaming. Tourists on the busy waterfront promenade thought they were witnessing a terrorist attack and ran for cover, causing a stampede.

 

 

In fact, it later emerged the group were carrying tripods and were posing as paparazzi to stage a supposed celebrity sighting.

At least eleven people were injured and one man suffered a heart attack in the ensuing panic.

Five tourists, all German women in their early 20s, were arrested and will appear in court on Wednesday morning on charges of causing public disorder.

Witnesses took to social media to describe how diners in restaurants dived under tables to take cover.

“My parents were there in Platja d’Aro. They were eating in a restaurant and threw themselves to the floor taking cover under tables,” said Quique Gallemi.

 

The police were quick to explain it as a false alarm and urge people to remain calm.

 

 

"There are jokes which are not permissible," tweeted regional president Carles Puigdemont.

 

 

Pep Sole, from the Platja d'Aro town council, told local radio that the Germans could expect to be punished for their stunt.

"My intention and that of the municipal majority, is that there will be repercussions, so that they understand they must not do that again," said Sole.  

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