Over 840 people injured in Catalonia during referendum: Catalonia regional govt

Riot police clashed with people who had gathered for banned referendum

MADRID: Some 844 people have been injured in disturbances across Catalonia on Sunday, the regional government said, as riot police clashed with people who had gathered for a banned referendum on the region's independence from Spain.

Spain police search Catalan govt headquarters amid referendum row

The Mayor of the regional capital Barcelona Ada Colau issued a statement demanding “an immediate end to police charges against the defenceless population”.

Madrid said its police had acted in a proportionate manner.

Police broke down doors to force entry into voting stations as Catalans shouted “Out with the occupying forces!” and sang the anthem of the wealthy northeastern region. Police broke down doors to force entry into voting stations as Catalans shouted “Out with the occupying forces!” and sang the anthem of the wealthy northeastern region.

Spanish police to take over Catalan polling stations to thwart independence vote

The ballot will have no legal status as it has been blocked by Spain’s Constitutional Court and Madrid for being at odds with the 1978 constitution. A minority of around 40 per cent of Catalans support independence, polls show, although a majority want to hold a referendum on the issue.

Around 70 polling stations had been raided by police, Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said. The aim of the raids was to seize referendum material and not to target people wanting to vote, another senior government official said.