Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Barcelona today to demand the release of political leaders who are being held in pre-trial detention.

Unconfirmed reports put the size of the crowd at around 350,000.

Many protesters wore yellow and waved separatist flags. They also carried a huge banner which read "For democracy and unity, we want them back home".

The protesters are also angry at the Spanish courts for not allowing them to elect their own regional leader.

Among the politicians facing serious charges is Jordi Sanchez, the latest proposed leader of the breakaway region.

He faces up to 25 years in prison and was refused bail by the Spanish supreme court during the week.