Catalunya mechanic refuses to repair policewoman's car over 'referendum violence'

Scenes of what appeared to be police violence went viral after the referendum, with officers carrying riot shields and bursting into polling stations.

An officer called to book her car into the garage and the owner said he would not provide her with the service due to his own 'personal convictions'.

Her partner went to the police to file a formal report.

The mechanic was summoned to give a statement yesterday (Friday) but refused to comment when doing so.

He told regional radio station RAC1 that he considered his decision was legal and that he had chosen not to repair the woman's car because she was a member of the force involved in the incidents on October 1.

The repairer then claimed the woman's husband took the phone, insulted him and told him he would 'smash his face in', before hanging up.

Next, the husband allegedly went to the garage and accused the mechanic of 'racism' and 'incitement to hatred'.

A row broke out until two regional police patrol cars from the Mossos d'Esquadra turned up after they had been called by the National Police officer's husband.

The mechanic's legal defence is being provided by the group Abogados Voluntarios del 1-O, or 'October 1 Volunteer Solicitors'.

Meanwhile, Barcelona city council has announced plans to bring a private prosecution over the alleged violence on referendum day.