THE family of a seven-year-old boy killed in the Barcelona terror attack have said they were blessed to have had him in their lives.

Julian Cadman, a dual British-Australian national who was born in Kent, became separated from his mother during the massacre on Las Ramblas that left 13 dead and at least 120 injured. In the aftermath of the attack, Julian’s relatives urged people to share a photograph of him on Facebook as fears for his safety grew.

His mother, Jumarie, remains seriously ill in hospital.

Confirming his death yesterday, his family, who moved to Australia from the UK three years ago, 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.

“We would like to thank all those who helped us in searching for Julian. Your kindness was incredible during a difficult time.

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

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted: “I send my sincerest sympathies to the family of Julian Cadman and all those who loved him. His death is a tragedy.

“The FCO [Foreign and Commonwealth Office], our Australian colleagues & the Spanish authorities continue to do all we can to support his family at this deeply distressing time.”

Julian’s father and grandmother travelled to Spain from Australia following the atrocity, in which the victims were mown down using a hired van.

The confirmation of Julian’s death came after Spanish police linked three rental vans to the fugitive at the centre of a manhunt following the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, which lies around 70 miles to the south west.

Authorities said the 12-strong terror cell responsible for the attacks has been dismantled, but the search continues for Younes Abouyaaqoub, a 22-year-old Moroccan named in Spanish media as the suspected driver of the van used in the Las Ramblas massacre.

A police official said all three vans were rented using the credit card of Abouyaaquoub, who is the focus of a manhunt in north-east Spain.

The official said one of the vans was used in the Barcelona attack, while another was found in Vic, 44 miles north of the city on the road to Ripoll, where all the main attack suspects lived, and the third was found in Ripoll itself.

Police believe the cell wanted to load the vans with explosives for a big attack, but their plans changed after the house where their plot was being hatched blew up on Wednesday in Alcanar.

A Spanish police official said those behind the attacks had stored more than 100 gas tanks and explosive ingredients at the house.

Josep Lluis Trapero said the cell planned one or more attacks with explosives in Barcelona, and rented three vans and used a car and motorcycle.

He said the search for a missing fugitive has been complicated because authorities have not been able to positively identify the human remains at the house in Alcanar.

The investigation is also focusing on a missing imam who police believe could have died in the house explosion.

Spanish interior minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said five members of the cell were shot dead, four were in custody and up to two were killed in the explosion.

He said no new attacks were imminent, the country’s terrorist threat alert will be maintained at level four, and security at popular events and tourist sites around the country will be reinforced.

Meanwhile, mourners gathered for a mass in Barcelona. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia joined politicians at the Sagrada Familia to honour the 14 people killed and all those injured in the attacks.

Some reports in Spanish media said the jihadist cell had intended to target the iconic church with explosives. It is one of the main tourists sights in Barcelona and designed by the city’s architect Antoni Gaudi. Work began in 1882 and is not due to finish until 2026.

Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, called for peace and unity, saying: “We will overcome fear.”

He read a message from Pope Francis, which said the pontiff “condemns once again the violence, which is a very grave offence against the creator, and he prays to God for help so we can continue working for peace and harmony in the world”.

Later yesterday Barcelona FC played their first league game of the season, with a crowd of 100,000 spectators at the Camp Nou where there was a minute’s silence.

Police had warned fans to expect increased security.