British fishermen were calling for military help after their French rivals allegedly petrol-bombed a trawler in a battle over scallops.

Tempers have flared between the two groups over claims UK vessels are 'pillaging' the shellfish from international waters.

Now British anglers are demanding the Government intervenes, with some asking for the Navy to be drafted in for protection.  

Video footage of the latest flare-up in a years-long war over the prized shellfish appears to show a Scottish trawler, owned by MacDuff shellfish, in flames after it was targeted in the attack.

Stones and flares were also reportedly thrown and boats were rammed leaving a number of vessels with holes in their hulls and windows as the furious rivals clashed off Seine Bay, according to local reports.

The British were heavily outnumbered at five boats to around 40 French vessels and officials from France were called out to keep the peace in the scallop-rich waters off Normandy.

The French government only allows fishermen to catch scallops between October and May but British fishermen do not face the same regulations. This sea battle took place in international waters.

According to French media, fishing vessels had set off from Trouville-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin and Ouistreham to confront the English. It is not clear which ports the small British fleet were from.

Tensions have been high between British and French fishermen for several years, leading to angry disputes that have been dubbed 'Scallop Wars'.

Mail Online

BDST: 1040 HRS, AUG 29, 2018
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