CATALONIA has been witnessing scenes reminiscent of the 2017 independence referendum, as Spanish police violently attacked protesters.

Pro-independence groups and unions have blocked roads in Catalonia in protest as Spain's Cabinet holds a meeting in Barcelona.

That meeting was held despite police warnings to the Spanish Government that it could cause trouble.

Security in Catalonia is normally in the hands of the Catalan police, but that has been reinforced with hundreds of anti-riot officers sent by Spain's national police forces.

Now, more and more video clips are emerging, showing anti-riot police attacking protesters.

Peaceful Catalan protesters have tried to avoid violence, blocking others who had their faces covered from pulling down barricades.

Oriol Benet, a 24-year-old pharmacist who joined others marching near the headquarters of the National Police in Barcelon, said the meeting was "a provocation".

Carrying a banner calling for the release of nine jailed Catalan politicians and activists who face a rebellion trial, Carme Almarza said she did not trust the politicians' agreement.

"Not until I see the prisoners freed," the 52-year-old social worker said.

"Any chance to talk is good," said Carlos Castilla, watching from a distance as protesters launched smoke bombs.

"It is clear the status quo doesn't work, they agreed on that. I think the answer is more self-government and that Catalonia manages its own finances."

Sanchez has presented the meeting in Barcelona as "a way of showing affection to Catalonia".

Spanish television broadcast live Sanchez's walk from his hotel to the 14th-century Gothic palace in central Barcelona.

It was an attempt to display a sense of normalcy but instead showed the prime minister walking through empty streets heavily guarded by police.

Metres away, a crowd of protesters jeered: "Go away! Go away!"

Police charged to keep them at bay when they moved rubbish bins and tried to break the double security cordon shielding the meeting's venue.