Quim Torra says people trying to damage reputation of independence movement as fourth night of violence rocks city

Barcelona suffered its fourth and worst night of violence on Thursday as pro-independence supporters clashed with police and right-wing groups in running battles well into the small hours of Friday morning.

The disturbances followed a now familiar pattern as a large demonstration called earlier in the evening dispersed and groups of protesters clashed with police in the city centre who say that a clothing shop was set on fire and a bank was vandalised.

Spanish government warns of ‘firm response’ to pro-independence unrest

The Spanish government has warned that violent protests in Catalonia will be met with a “firm, proportional and united” response after the jailing of nine pro-independence leaders triggered a second night of unrest in the region.

In Barcelona, peaceful, planned demonstrations erupted into running battles with the police on Tuesday.

Spain’s foreign minister says regional government excludes views of people who do not back independence

• Carles Puigdemont: Spain’s imprisonment of Catalan leaders is a desperate move that will backfire

The Spanish foreign minister has accused the pro-independence Catalan government of exhibiting a “totalitarian attitude” by excluding and ignoring the 50% of Catalans who oppose breaking away from Spain.

Josep Borrell, who is himself Catalan, made the remarks a day after nine senior Catalan leaders were jailed for sedition over their roles in the failed attempt for regional independence.