A van has ploughed into a crowd of people in Barcelona's busy tourist area, in what local police are calling a terrorist attack.

Spanish police say several people have been injured in a "massive crash" in the city's Las Ramblas avenue.

Police have confirmed that one person has died and that 32 people have been injured, 10 of them seriously.

Authorities are urging people to stay away from the area around Placa Catalunya.

Reuters reported that Catalan emergency services have requested the closure of metro and train stations in the vicinity of the incident.

The Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing police sources, said the driver of the vehicle fled on foot.

The US Consulate in Barcelona tweeted "We are aware of a reported incident at Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Please avoid the area and monitor local police @mossos for updates".

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy is in contact with authorities after Barcelona van incident and?says priority is to attend to the?wounded, according to Reuters.