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TERRORISM

Family of 7-year-old boy killed in attack fundraise for injured mother

The family of Julian Cadman who was killed in the terror attack on Las Ramblas are facing huge medical bills to pay for the ongoing care of his injured mother whose insurance "doesn’t cover terrorist attacks”.

Family of 7-year-old boy killed in attack fundraise for injured mother

An online fundraising account for the Sydney family had already raised A$132,000 (€88,000) in donations from strangers by Tuesday lunchtime after it was set up by friends to help the grieving family.

Seven-year-old Julian was killed by the van on Las Ramblas in the attack last Thursday while his mother, Jom, was knocked down and suffered multiple fractures in both legs.

READ MORE: Police confirm death of 7-yr-old Julian Cadman

The Go-fund me crowdfunding page, explains: “Andrew, Jom and Julian are a normal Aussie family whose lives have been devastated by the recent tragedy in Barcelona.

“Like all families they are paying a mortgage, bills and other sundries.  As you can imagine there will be ongoing medical costs to get Jom back to full health.  

“Many people have been asking how they may support the family at this time.  We are asking for any contribution for those that may wish to help.  This will assist with additional medical and funeral costs for the family.  We thank you greatly for any support you may offer.”

Scott Bowman, a close friend and employer of Julian's father, who is a carpenter, started the crowdfunding on behalf of the devastated parents.

He told the Australia Daily Telegraph : “The concern we have got at the moment is their travel insurance might not cover acts of terrorism and Jom is going to have ongoing medical expenses.”

He said she may have to endure years of operations.

The heartbroken family paid tribute to the little boy, who was born in the UK and had both Australian and British nationality.

In a statement issued after his death was confirmed by Spanish authorities, the family said:

“Julian was a much loved and adored member of our family.

“As he was enjoying the sights of Barcelona with his mother, Julian was sadly taken from us.

“He was so energetic, funny and cheeky, always bringing a smile to our faces.

“We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and will remember his smiles and hold his memory dear to our hearts.”

The family said it wanted to thank all those who helped searching for Julian.

“Your kindness was incredible during a difficult time,” they added.

“We also acknowledge we are not the only family to be affected by the events, our prayers and thoughts are with all people affected.

“We will not be making any further comments on this tragedy and ask everyone, especially the media, to give us the privacy we need to grieve away from the public eye.”

TERRORISM

Italian police arrest Algerian wanted for alleged IS ties

Police in Milan said on Thursday they had arrested a 37-year-old Algerian man in the subway, later discovering he was wanted for alleged ties to Islamic State.

Italian police arrest Algerian wanted for alleged IS ties

When stopped by police officers for a routine check, the man became “particularly aggressive”, said police in Milan, who added the arrest took place “in recent days”.

He was “repeatedly shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while attempting to grab from his backpack an object that turned out to be a knife with a blade more than 12cm (nearly five inches) long,” they said in a statement.

The man was later found to be wanted by authorities in Algeria, suspected since 2015 of belonging to “Islamic State militias and employed in the Syrian-Iraqi theatre of war,” police said.

Police said the suspect was unknown to Italian authorities.

The man is currently in Milan’s San Vittore prison and awaiting extradition, they added.

Jihadist group IS proclaimed a “caliphate” in 2014 across swathes of Syria and Iraq, launching a reign of terror that continues with hit-and-run attacks and ambushes.

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