The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Gang violence is reported to have erupted which left at least 13 migrants with serious injuries – including four who had been shot.

Rioting spread from Boulevard des Justes near the city centre after a clash began with a long line of migrants queuing for food.

Violence was reported to have been sparked between gangs of Afghan and Eritrean migrants – and people smugglers are suspected to have been involved.

Many migrants travel to Calais with hopes of finding a better life and crossing the channel over to Britain.

France’s interior minister Gerard Collomb said he was on the way to the port town to deal with the emergency.

Violent gangs wielding rocks, knives, sticks and iron bars were reportedly involved in running battles through the city – with at least 200 people involved.

Fighting began at around 3.30pm, before dying down shortly before 6pm.

Police tackling the riots using batons and teargas as they worked to restore order in Calais.

(Image: GETTY/TWITTER)

The four victims who were shot are said to be in a life-threatening condition and have been taken to hospital.

Mr Collomb tweeted: "After the serious incidents that occurred today, I am going to Calais this evening for a situational meeting with the Prefect, the Mayor of the city and other local officials.

"I will meet our security forces and emergency services in particularly difficult times."

French president Emmanuel Macon said Calais would no longer be "a secret gateway to England” when he visited in January.

He said police will be upping security to stop migrants in the town from attempting to board trains and ferries heading ofr the UK.

"Everything is done so that illegal passage to the United Kingdom is not possible," said Mr Macron.

(Image: TWITTER)

Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart reacted with fury to the incidents, saying such violence "was absolutely unacceptable”.

Ms Bouchart said: "This was fighting between migrants, these were turf wars. They are more and more guns, iron bars and other weapons being used.

"We have to clear the area. This is a security issue. The public can’t carry on accepting this situation."