“It is normal for the Spanish ‘Guardia Civil’ to help us with joint patrols in various parts pf the country where there is a large influx of Spaniards”, major Bruno Marques told Lusa News Agency.

These joint patrols have happened in various parts of the country, he said, but added that this was the first time the Spanish police had been in Fatima.

The police spokesman said that Spain “is one of the main source of visitors to Portugal”, because “it is so close”.

“It is common to have many Spanish pilgrims here in Fatima”, he said, explaining that these joints patrols between the Portuguese GNR and the Guardia Civil is also found in other parts of the country.

Hundreds of police officers and dozens of vehicles are already in Fatima for the first major pilgrimage of the year to the sanctuary, the year it is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the apparitions to the little shepherds.