Royal Navy 'Chases Spanish Warship From Gibraltar For Second Time'

A Spanish warship has been chased out of Gibraltar's territorial waters for the second time in a month. 

The Ministry of Defence confirmed to Forces News that the Infanta Cristina was intercepted off Gibraltar's coast in mid-morning.

It comes a week after a similar incident involving the same ships, while a Spanish police helicopter was accused of violating Gibraltar's airspace for a number of days.

Gibraltar's government published a video on Twitter of the previous naval incursion, which showed the Spanish Navy patrol ship in the sea off the territory, and accused it of carrying out an 'illegal incursion'.

Britain was told to "calm down" by Spain following former Tory leader Michael Howard's suggestions that Theresa May would be prepared to go to war over the Rock. 

The Prime Minister has since played down the threat of military action, although she confirmed that London was 'steadfast' in its commitment to the territory.

Tensions rose after the EU said Madrid would have the final say on any future deals involving Gibraltar. It follows Britain's exit from the European Union, which was triggered on March 29.

Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory since the 18th century, and almost 99% of its people rejected a proposal for joint British-Spanish sovereignty in a 2002 referendum.

Photography courtesy of DM Parody (www.dotcom.gi/photos).