Spanish PM Rajoy says no vote took place in Catalonia

In a television address after polls closed today in the north-eastern region, Rajoy said the great majority of Catalans did not "follow the script of the secessionists." He gave no proof for that statement.

Rajoy said the independence referendum only served to sow divisions. He thanked the Spanish police, saying they acted with "firmness and serenity" in response to the referendum.

Catalonia's health services, however, say 761 people were injured by police today, with two of them in serious condition.

Spanish riot police smashed their way into polling stations across Catalonia to try and stop today's referendum, sometimes beating voters. Spain's top court had suspended the vote but local authorities went ahead anyway.

Meanwhile, Catalonia's health services increased the number of people injured by police during today's disputed referendum to 761 people who were treated at hospitals.

The service says two people are in serious condition in hospitals in Barcelona.

It also says that another person is being treated for an eye injury that fits the profile of having been hit by a rubber bullet.

Spanish riot police smashed their way into polling stations across the north-eastern region to try and stop today's referendum on independence.

Spain's top court had suspended the vote but local authorities went ahead anyway.

Police used batons, fired rubber bullets, and roughed up voters. Catalan authorities say police even used tear gas once.