Thousands take to the streets in Spain to protest against Catalonian independence as regional minister calls for a 'ceasefire' and residents demand peace

Thousands of pro-unity demonstrators have taken to the streets of Madrid (pictured right and inset) with Spanish flags in the wake of an outlawed independence referendum in the region of Catalonia. Huge numbers of people are already in the Plaza de Colón in the capital, waving flags and displaying posters against independence. Meanwhile a separate demonstration has begun in Barcelona, where protesters are calling for dialogue and unity during the crisis (pictured top left and bottom left). The rally comes six days after Catalonia held a referendum on secession that Spain's government warned was illegal and the country's top court had suspended.