Ex-Catalan leader evades Spanish police on return after seven years as fugitive

Police have launched a manhunt in Barcelona for ex-Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont who returned to Spain after seven years as a fugitive despite an outstanding arrest warrant (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Police launched a manhunt in Barcelona on Thursday for ex-Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont, a celebrated separatist who seven years after fleeing Spain sensationally returned to the country despite an outstanding arrest warrant.

Mr Puigdemont had previously announced his intention to be in Spain on the day Catalonia’s parliament is due to swear in a new president.