According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, police in Catalonia said they were searching for Abouyaaqoub, who is understood to be a key member of a 12-member jihadist cell behind the double attacks. The massive manhunt was launched amid fears that they could be preparing further attacks at popular tourist areas. Abouyaaqoub, 22, lived in the town of Ripoll to the north of Barcelo. One former classmate described Abouyaaqoub as “very shy”. She told La Vanguardia newspaper: “He didn’t like attention.