Catalan referendum: Anti-police strike hits public services

Crowds are thronging central Barcelona and blocking roads across Catalonia in a protest strike over police violence during the independence referendum.

There is little public transport after Catalan trade unions called the strike to show public anger at Spanish police tactics during Sunday's disputed vote.

Almost 900 people were hurt as Spanish police tried to prevent voting, in a referendum declared illegal by the Madrid government. Thirty-three police officers were also injured in Sunday's clashes, Catalan medical officials said.

The Catalan government says the vote in support of independence was nearly 90%, but official results have not yet been released. On Monday evening the Spain national football team abandoned a training session after fans booed and whistled at defender Gerard Pique, who has strongly backed the Catalan referendum.

The strike was called in protest at "the grave violation of rights and freedoms" seen during Sunday's ballot. Almost 900 people were hurt as Spanish police tried to prevent voting, in a referendum declared illegal by the Madrid government. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the vote made a "mockery" of democracy.

UCJ, UNILORIN.