Spanish police are attempting to enter Catalonia election precincts, where the referendum on Catalonia’s independence from Spain has begun on Sunday, and which Madrid considers to be unlawful.

Police with shields are using hammers and cutting items to enter the poling stations, reported The Associated Press (AP).  

They have begun emptying schools and some other institutions that are intended for holding the referendum on independence, according to Nació Digital online newspaper of Catalonia.