British government issues alert for tourists travelling to Spain’s Barcelona after days of violent protests

THE UK government has updated its travel advice for Barcelona following more than a week of unruly protests. 

Clashes between violent and organised protesters have seen cars and bins set alight in the Catalan capital.

It comes after nine separatist leaders were sentenced to prison earlier this month.

“You should exercise caution in the vicinity of demonstrations as they may occur with little or no warning,” the UK Foreign Office website reads.

“Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate and turn confrontational.

“Demonstrations may cause disruptions to transport including access to airports, roads, and the railway and metro systems.”

Hundreds of protesters have been injured as well as several police officers.

Footage has also emerged of Policia Nacional allegedly using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

While the overwhelming majority of marchers (more than 500,000), have been peaceful, around 400 provocateurs deliberately targeted police.

According to authorities, many of the arrested were found to be carrying MDMA and ecstasy.