An urgent search is under way for a child who is believed to be among the missing after the terror attacks in Spain.
Julian Cadman, seven, reportedly became separated from his mother after the attack on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas on Thursday. His mother, Jumarie ‘Jom’ Cadman, was found in hospital and is in a serious but stable condition.
The mother-son duo were visiting the city for a wedding when a terrorist ploughed a van through pedestrians, killing at least 13 and injuring scores more.
A family friend, known only as Scott, told Sydney’s 2GB Radio that the child’s father, who had stayed behind in Australia, learned of the terrorist attack shortly after arriving at work.
“He turned up to work this morning, turned the news on at six o’clock, heard about it, tried to ring his missus but couldn’t get a hold of her,” he said on Friday afternoon.
“By about 8.30am we found out that it was her in the hospital. She’s in a very serious condition… But we found out about an hour later that his seven-year-old son wasn’t with her, he’s missing and we haven’t heard anything since. They don’t know if he’s still with us or not.”
The terror attack has already claimed the lives of at least 13 people.
Investigations are going, however, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to the family friend, Mr Cadman was “absolutely beside himself.”
“He can’t do much more than sort of put one foot in front of another at the moment,” he said. “I need to know something, I can’t believe 10 hours can pass and they can’t link a mother and a son together. He’s obviously somewhere, we just need to know where.”
Julian’s father, Andrew, was flying to Spain on Friday evening to reunite with his seriously injured wife and join the frantic search for his son.
The family have launched a social media appeal for help in locating the little boy.
George Cadman, a cousin of Julian, wrote on Facebook:
“My cousin, Julian Alessandro Cadman is missing. Please like and share. We have found Jom (his Mum, my cousin-in-law) and she is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.”
“Julian is 7 years old and was out with Jom when they were separated, due to the recent terrorist activity. Please share, especially if you have family or friends in Barcelona. Thank you.”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, panic and terror.
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop confirmed that four Australians had been hurt in the attack, while one person is missing.
“They’re in direct contact with consular staff. They have advised they were directly affected,” she said.
Bishop said consular officials would be at the hospital to assist the woman “as soon as possible.”
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack via its Amaq agency.
More as we get it.
