French Navy Ready To Intervene In 'Scallop Wars'

Scottish scallop dredger, Honeybourne 3, following clashes with French fishermen in the early hours of Tuesday morning in the English Channel (Image: PA).

A French minister says the country's navy is ready to intervene with scallop disputes - to prevent further clashes between French and British fishermen.

It follows reports that they bumped boats as well as French boats being accused of throwing stones and smoke bombs at English and Scottish vessels just off the French coast last week.

Agriculture minister Stephane Travert expressed hope that British and French fishermen will strike a deal to resolve their dispute when they meet on Wednesday for talks.

Speaking to broadcaster CNEWS, Mr Travert said:

"We can't continue like this, we can't carry on having clashes like this."

He added that the French navy is ready to intervene if necessary.

About 35 French boats confronted five British ones, sometimes banging hulls, in international waters off the coast of northern France last week, amid tensions over access to scallop fisheries.

Dramatic footage of the previous incident was broadcasted by France 3 Normandie - it showed boats colliding as an object was thrown toward them: