BBC Sunday, 24 June, 2001, 18:03 GMT 19:03 UK

Police break up Barcelona rally

Police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas into a crowd of thousands of anti-globalisation demonstrators on the streets of Barcelona in north-eastern Spain.

The demonstration began peacefully but turned violent when a group of protesters began smashing shop windows, including many belonging to internationally-known companies.

In response, police twice charged the crowd, which had gathered in the city's main square, forcing them to disperse.

The march had been timed to coincide with a meeting of the World Bank, which was cancelled on Friday over fears of violent demonstrations.

Wave of protests

Despite the cancellation, internet sites invited people to gather in Barcelona anyway as a show of strength for their movement.

Police pursued scattering groups of protesters down a main street away from the square.

Some officers, dressed as demonstrators, made targeted arrests.

There has been no confirmation of any arrests or injuries.

Some estimates put the number of people attending the rally at least 20,000.

The BBC's Flora Botsford says that the police appeared well-prepared to cope with the violence.

The protest is the latest in a wave of anti-globalisation marches, including two days of riots in the Swedish city of Gothenburg earlier this month, which lead to arrests, injuries and widespread damage.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2001