Self-proclaimed anarchists stormed the Spanish embassy in Athens today.

They scattered leaflets in favour of Catalonian independence, reading "Solidarity is the weapon of the people", and "No Pasaran", a leftist slogan from the Spanish Civil War.

The demonstrators, from a group known as Rouvikonas, also unfurled a pro-independence banner from the embassy roof.

The embassy staff briefly evacuated the premises, leaving only a few diplomats inside. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

Greek police detained 19 people.

The banner was taken down after the protesters were detained