Reinforcement of barriers in Palma following Barcelona attack

She added: "Today, all the people of the Balearic Islands are with the victims and their relatives as well as with the people of Barcelona who are enduring some very difficult moments. From the Balearics we send condolences to all the families of the victims and we also hope that all the people in hospital can recover as soon as possible."

The three days of national mourning, called by Prime Minister Rajoy, are being observed with flags at half-mast until midnight on 20 August. There were minute silences across Majorca and the Balearics, observed by the island councils, town halls and other institutions.

Salom said that following the attack in Barcelona she spoke with President Armengol, the mayor of Palma, Antoni Noguera, and the chiefs of the Guardia Civil and National Police. She added that the anti-terrorist alert remains at level four, which has been the case for two years. During this time, she noted, more than 250 arrests have been made in Spain in connection with some form of terrorist threat. "We have to rely on the professionalism of the state security forces."

She considered that the unity of everyone is fundamental - politicians, institutions and the security professionals. "I believe, and there's no doubt, that unity and coordination are the most potent weapons we have in bringing an end to terrorism. With democracy, with the law on our side and everyone united, I am sure that we can end these attacks." Salom asked for calm and urged that daily life continues as normal.

The government delegate explained that a study is being made of reinforcing bollards in places where there are large gatherings of people, such as Calle Sant Miquel and the Plaça Espanya in Palma and also Playa de Palma. She observed that specific security measures have been adopted recently. There were additional bollards, for instance, during the last Christmas and New Year festivities in Palma and over Easter.

Installing more bollards will be a matter that must be left to the security forces and not to politicians, she said. There are "great professionals" in the Balearics who look after "our security". She observed that security is one of the Balearics' great assets. These great professionals have high international recognition and regard.

In fact, Palma town hall has already acted in response to interior ministry advice. Concrete barriers have been installed in the Plaça Porta Pintada and planters have been put in place in Plaça Espanya, Sant Miquel and the Born.

As for security at the ports and airports, Salom said that the level four alert applies and so Guardia Civil and National Police presence continues as it has been.