BARCELONA police launched a manhunt today for leading Catalan independence campaigner Carles Puigdemont after he returned to Spain, gave a a speech in the city and then vanished.

A warrant for Mr Puigdemont’s arrest remains outstanding, nearly seven years after he fled to Belgium following an abortive declaration of Calatan independence by the regional parliament.

He had previously announced his intention to be in Spain on the day that Catalonia’s parliament was due to swear in a new president.