[In pictures] Historic day as Catalonia declares independence before Spain's crackdown

It’s been a historic day in Spain today as the country’s Catalonia crisis plunged to new depths.

Here is how the day unfolded in pictures.

Catalan leader Puigdemont votes, before Catalan parliament backs independence

Spain’s senate counters by voting to impose direct rule on Catalonia

Under pressure: Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy

Catalan chiefs sing the region’s anthem

Pro-independence supporters gather in large numbers before the regional Government building

Rajoy sacks Puigdemont and the Catalan parliament and calls fresh elections

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