Police arrested dozens of people across Spain during a general strike that paralysed parts of the country, with clashes breaking out in several cities. The nationwide protest took place on Wednesday, the first general strike in 14 years backed by Spain’s main trade unions. It disrupted mass transport and partly affected health and social services as demonstrators blocked roads leading toward Madrid, Barcelona and other cities. Across Spain, protests turned violent in some locations, and around three dozen people were detained, according to RTVE.es. In Madrid, shops on Gran Vía stayed closed, some owners covering windows with boards over fears of looting. Large numbers of police were deployed. Early Wednesday, protesters clashed with officers near the Mercamadrid wholesale market. The CC.OO union said several people needed treatment for eye irritation after police used pepper spray, which police denied. One person was arrested following the clashes. Others reported bruises from alleged baton strikes. Near Barcelona, protesters set fire to several tyres as they gathered at the approach to an industrial zone. In Pamplona, demonstrators blocked access to a Caixabank branch, and police removed them from the entrance, with one person later detained. The strike was called over the housing crisis and rising living costs, with supporters also demanding pay rises for sectors including teachers. Unions said participation was high in industrial areas, including ports and automotive plants, while services such as social care and health ran with reduced staffing. Rail services operated in a limited way, and air travel was partly affected. As of now, the latest verified status is that about three dozen people were detained during the clashes, including at least one arrest in Madrid and one in Pamplona.