Hundreds of voters in Catalonia's illegal independence referendum are injured in ugly clashes with riot police who are seen stamping and kicking demonstrators

Spain's Prime Minister has claimed that a Catalonian referendum did not happen amid scenes of violent chaos across the country. Mario Rajoy told a press conference that police had maintained the rule of law by preventing the vote in a show of force which has drawn heavy condemnation from world leaders. Hundreds of people have been injured in the clashes with officers seen stamping and kicking protesters as they stormed buildings and seized ballot boxes. Tens of thousands of fans have been banned from attending FC Barcelona's football match (pictured bottom) with Las Palmas amid fears for public safety. Spain's Constitutional Court has suspended the referendum and the central government says it is illegal.