Huge turnout for Catalan independence rally

This year's Catalan independence rally is expected to
be the biggest ever 

Some 1.5 million people have been taking part in Catalonia's annual independence rally in Barcelona, according to police.

Tens of thousands of people poured into the city waving the region's independence flag and brandishing the colours red and yellow.

This year's march aimed to be the biggest ever - and a protest against the Spanish government's tax laws.

Catalonia wants Madrid to review its tax agreement and provide a bailout.

The size of the turnout for the rally, which is held annually on 11 September to mark the Siege of Barcelona 300 years ago, forced organisers to change its route.

Spain's economic crisis, which has left one out of four people unemployed, has sharpened Catalonia's demand for fiscal independence from Spain, as well as political autonomy.

Catalonia, which is Spain's wealthiest region and represents a fifth of the Spanish economy, wants to be able to raise its own taxes and spend them.

Last month Catalonia demanded a bailout from Madrid of 5bn euros (£4bn), on the basis that it believes the central government owes the region that much in overpaid taxes.

As a nation, Spain's struggling economy has declined for three consecutive quarters as it continues to suffer from the effects of its property bust caused by the financial crisis.

Andalusia, Valencia and Murcia have also requested bailouts in recent weeks.