Shops in central Sevilla have boarded up their windows ahead of Halloween after messages circulating online raised fears of disturbances similar to those recently seen in Barcelona.

The Policia Nacional have urged businesses to remain calm, saying rumours of organised violence in the city lack credibility and foundation.

Decathlon covered the windows of its city-centre store early in the morning, although the panels were removed some hours later.

Other fashion shops on Calle Tetuan and Calle Velazquez also installed protective panels, as did Aldi in Plaza del Duque.

Nervion Plaza shopping centre has also increased security staffing and asked hospitality businesses to keep tables and chairs indoors.

Its management said it had held several meetings with Policia Nacional intelligence officers since the rumours began circulating, and had consistently received reassurances.

Two Halloween events scheduled at the shopping centre on Friday are going ahead.

In a communication shared with the retail sector, police said they had no reliable information indicating that organised violent disturbances were planned.

They acknowledged that Halloween presents routine policing challenges because of large crowds and the number of themed parties.

The concern follows unrest in Barcelona on October 24, which reportedly resulted in 130 arrests, including 76 minors, and damage to around 30 businesses.

Accounts linked to the Blocus network subsequently circulated calls for gatherings in other Spanish cities, including Sevilla. Messages have continued spreading through WhatsApp and other platforms despite the closure of several associated Telegram channels.

Security forces in Andalucia are maintaining their usual Halloween operations and monitoring social media for potential risks.