Belgium's State Prosecutor's Office has said it is studying European Arrest Warrants issued for ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont.

Warrants have also been issued the four members of his deposed Cabinet who travelled to Brussels with him on Monday.

They are accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Spanish National Court Judge Carmen Lamela has filed a request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain the five – with Europol to be informed if they try to leave the country.

Mr Puigdemont has said he will testify via video conference from Brussels – claiming it is "very clear that the Spanish justice authorities had become politicised."

Judge Lamela rejected his request.

Belgian legal experts say extradition would take 15 days.

However, if the politicians appeal the process it could take a further 45 days - giving them enough time to participate in the region's snap election on 21 December.

Earlier, Mr Puigdemont vowed to stand in the poll, insisting that it is “possible to run a campaign from anywhere."

On Thursday, Judge Lamela ordered eight regional ministers, including deposed vice president Oriol Junqueras, to be remanded in custody while possible charges are considered.

She also detained another separatist politician, pending a €50,000 (£38,290) bail payment – which he posted on Friday.

These people, protesting in Barcelona, think Madrid has gone too far: