Four anti-bullfighting activists jumped into the ring of Barcelona's Plaza Monumental yesterday, immediately after the slaying of the second bull of the afternoon, successfully managing to prevent its corpse being dragged round the ring in the traditional lap of honour.

Regional police officers reacted late and the protesters were initially dealt with by members of the bullfighter's troupe and fans, who jumped over the barriers to join the fracas.

A spokeswoman for the Igualdad Animal association that organised the demonstration complained that one of the protesters was "kicked and punched," and required treatment at a local health centre. The other three were arrested.

While the protest was being staged inside, two other activists unfurled a large banner on the outside of the ring with the message: 'Tauromaquia, abolición' (Abolish bullfighting).