Far-left protesters clash with police in Barcelona on Catalan national day

Hundreds of far-left Catalan separatist protesters took to the streets of Barcelona on Friday and clashed with police as the region marked its national day, with the separatist movement deeply divided over its direction.

Riot officers carrying shields formed lines to keep the far-left demonstrators apart from a small far-right pro-Spain group that had gathered in the city centre. The two sides were held at a distance from each other as the standoff wore on.

After several tense hours, the far-right group dispersed. Some of those leaving scuffled with police before quitting the area, according to footage from the scene.

During the confrontations, protesters shouted slogans at riot police, including "The streets will always be ours" and "Here we are, the anti-fascists," as well as "Fascists, get out of our neighborhoods." Others chanted "Jump, jump, jump! If you don't you're Puigdemont" and "I'd be ashamed if I joined the police force." Some sang the Catalan anthem.

Officers were seen warning demonstrators over loudspeakers not to approach their line, saying they would respond immediately. Firecrackers exploded and objects, including a burning item kicked by a protester, were thrown towards the police.

The Catalan national day is observed each year, but this year's events unfolded against a backdrop of deep factional splits within the separatist movement.