A REPRESENTATIVE of Madrid has apologised over the police violence in Catalonia last Sunday.

Spanish government's official representative in Catalonia, Enric Millo, said: "When I see these images, and more so when I know people have been hit, pushed and even one person who hospitalised, I can't help but regret it and apologise on behalf of the officers that intervened."

This is the first apology to be issued following the violence that marred the independence referendum in Catalonia last Sunday, as Spanish police attempted to stop the vote from going ahead.

The comment was made in a television interview and quoted by Reuters.

More to follow.