Disturbances in Barcelona city centre following the end of the general strike march

Following the conclusion of the general strike march, Barcelona became the scene of disturbances and tension.

Groups of protesters set fire to numerous rubbish containers and other street furniture in the vicinity of Plaça Catalunya, including on Carrer Pelai, Ronda Universitat, Plaça Urquinaona, and Ronda Sant Pere.

The Catalan Mossos d’Esquadra police have arrested at around 50 people after the unrest broke out, according to Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni.

Collboni also stated that between six and ten establishments were damaged, and condemned the vandalism "in the strongest possible terms," ​​noting that the day of protest had otherwise been "orderly."

The Catalan Mossos d’Esquadra police charged at the protesters several times, with various moments of tension unfolding. In the area of Plaça Urquinaona, officers fired rubber bullets at protesters.

Hooded individuals launched fireworks and other objects at the police line and smashed the storefront windows of several shops along Passeig de Gràcia and Gran Via, including the Apple Store, where they also set fire to the entrance.

At least one person managed to enter the premises to steal items.

After issuing warnings via loudspeaker, police attempted to disperse the protesters by advancing with their police line and vans.

The protesters then moved through Plaça Catalunya, Les Rambles, Carrer Balmes, and Plaça Universitat, where they smashed the storefront window of the Lefties shop and started several fires.

The Mossos subsequently arrived, driving riot vans through the area. 

Barcelona city police deployed to Plaça Urquinaona to disperse the protesters, leading to chaotic scenes of people running and objects being thrown.

The Barcelona Fire Department has been deployed to attempt to extinguish the dozens of fires breaking out across the city centre.

Two large bonfires are currently burning at the intersection of Ronda Sant Pere and Plaça Urquinaona.

The incidents began shortly after 7pm, when the unitary demonstration had already been officially called to an end at Plaça Catalunya.

Far-right Vox rally in Tarragona

There was also tension seen in the southern Catalan city of Tarragona.

Earlier in the evening, the far-right Vox held a pre-electoral campaign rally in the city.

The Mossos fired rubber bullet at protesters gathered outside the Tarragona Conference Centre, where Santiago Abascal is leading the Vox rally.

The incidents occurred after a call was made, following the conclusion of peaceful general strike demonstration in Plaça de la Font, for protesters to head toward the Vox event.

A large group of people arrived and threw stones at the police cordon, which had spent the entire afternoon securing the streets adjacent to the venue due to the nearby march.

The Mossos responded by firing foam projectiles. The crowd has since dispersed, though several police vans remain in the area.