Nine leaders of the Catalan independence movement were jailed on Monday for sedition over their role in a failed independence bid, sparking mass protests across the region.

The former deputy president of the region, Oriol Junqueras, who was also found guilty of misuse of public funds, was given the highest sentence of 13 years.

Thousands of protesters took to streets in several cities as the verdict was announced, where they were met by hundreds of extra riot police sent by Madrid.

More than 100 flights were cancelled at the city's El Prat airport, and several others were delayed as activists clashed with police.

Police officers guarding the airport clashed with protesters, with officers using their batons and shooting foam bullets, and reportedly attacking journalists. At least 13 people received medical attention.