Barcelona clashes continue after squatters cleared from building

Clashes in Barcelona between Spanish police and protesters have continued into a fourth night, after the forceful eviction of people living in a well-known squat and the attempted demolition of the occupied building.

Police have arrested scores of people in violence which first erupted on Monday when squatters were cleared from the Can Vies centre, an abandoned building owned by the city’s transport authority.

Under the district’s urban plan, the land where the derelict building stands is destined to become an open space.

An additional 300 riot police have been deployed to Barcelona as a result of the clashes.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports that the demolition work has stopped to avoid further clashes.

Since 1997, the Can Vies building has become a symbol for the squatters movement.

It was a home for many, as well as a social centre where artistic and cultural events were held.