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Police in Barcelona have shot the driver of a truck packed with gas cylinders reported to have been driving at high speed towards the heart of the city.

The stolen truck was carrying dozens of butane gas cylinders along the Roda del Litoral motorway near the city centre, according to local media.

Spanish counter-terror police are said to have launched an investigation into the incident and are looking to establish the driver's motives.

The vehicle was stopped on a slip road off the motorway and pictures from the scene appear to show a man being arrested.

(Image: GUILLEM SÀNCHEZ/Periodico)

(Image: EFE)

(Image: REUTERS)

Local police said the truck had been ramming other vehicles on the busy road during a high-speed chase and was shot through the rear windscreen before the vehicle came to a stop.

A number of the butane gas canisters were thrown off into the road during the chase and one other person is believed to have been injured.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: EFE)

The arrested man is reported to be a Swedish national - named as Joakim Robin Berggren - who has been taken to a medical facility for psychological examination.

A police spokeswoman said he will be questioned later today.

Eye-witness Jordi Sintes told La Vanguardia: "We heard the sirens, and then a very strong blow. We have all turned and seen the butane truck braking.

"It was driving in the wrong direction. Two motorbikes from the Guardia Urbana followed. They got off and pointed their pistols at the driver. He opened his arms (and was arrested)."