Spain to deploy more police officers in Catalonia over the weekend

The Spanish government is to deploy more police officers in Catalonia over the weekend "to guarantee security," say sources in the interior ministry, after various episodes of unrest took place this week in protest at the sentencing of Catalan independence leaders.

The sources did not say how many officers will be sent to reinforce those that have already been deployed, but they did say that their aim will be to "relieve" officers that have already been involved in clashes with protestors over the past couple of days.

Earlier in the month, at least 500 National Police and Guardia Civil officers were moved to Catalonia in preparation for the protests expected following the Supreme Court's verdict on the Catalan leaders prosecuted over the 2017 independence bid.

Many of those officers were involved in policing the large protest on Monday that brought Barcelona airport to a standstill, and episodes of unrest on Tuesday night that saw unruly protestors build barricades in the streets of a number of Catalan cities.  

Initially, the deployment of extra police officers is due to last until November 1, although Spain's acting president, Pedro Sánchez, said on Wednesday that he "does not rule out any scenario" and if necessary will act "with firmness" in Catalonia.