Fight between migrants from Afghanistan and Eritrea leaves one person with broken leg after dispute over food

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A clash between about 200 migrants trying to get to Britain from the northern French port city of Calais left seven injured early on Saturday.

The fight near a tent camp between migrants from Afghanistan and Eritrea left one with a broken leg. Others suffered superficial wounds, police union official Gilles Debove said.

Calais is the destination of choice for migrants trying to sneak by lorry or ferry across the Channel. Many reached Europe via Italy.

The clash grew out of a dispute that erupted during the evening meal serving after someone pushed in to the food queue.

Tensions were high because of tough winter living conditions and slow lorry traffic that diminished chances to sneak to Britain, said Christian Salome of the Auberge des Migrants association, which distributes meals.

“We know the least thing can spark differences,” Debove said.

Three clashes erupted between migrant groups in the heat of summer, leaving 51 injured.