A suspected terrorist has been shot dead after attempting to attack officers with a large knife at a police station in Barcelona.

The man is said to have shouted "Allah is great" as he lunged at his targets, having gained entry to the station shortly before 6am by repeatedly pressing the buzzer at the security door and speaking to those inside over an intercom.

Regional police chief Rafel Comes has confirmed detectives are treating the attack as a terrorist incident.

Image: The attacker was quickly shot by police

No injuries have been reported, with Mr Comes adding that the officer who shot the suspect had "used her gun to save her own life".

The suspect is believed to have lived near the station, which is in the Cornella district on the outskirts of the city.


Mr Comes told a news conference officers were waiting for a warrant to search his apartment, with work already under way to learn more about his background.

Image: Police said the suspect shouted 'Allah is great'

Medics were seen wheeling a body on to an ambulance outside the station, with Mr Comes confirming that officers had found identification documents on the suspect.

He said police were checking whether they were authentic.

Image: Security has been stepped up at police stations across the country

Security has been stepped up at police stations across Spain in the wake of the incident, which comes just days after a ceremony was held to remember those who died in twin terror attacks in Barcelona and the seaside resort of Cambrils last year.

Mr Comes said police had found no evidence to suggest the latest incident was linked to the attacks.