I have to take issue with Tom Carew (“The day the Madrid regime killed Spain”, October 3). Mr Carew says the Guardia Civil was inherited from Franco. In fact, that highly-respected police organisation dates back to the 19th century.

A bomb exploded outside the offices of a right-wing political party in northern Spain today, slightly injuring one person and shattering windows, the Interior Ministry said.

Hundreds of right-wing demonstrators made stiff-armed fascist salutes and shouted insults against gays, Muslims and immigrants at a rally today marking the 30th anniversary of the death of dictator General Francisco Franco.