French fisherman threatened to reignite a simmering “scallop war” after surrounding rival British boats and pelting them with stones in a row exacerbated by Brexit negotiations.

British fishermen have called on the Government to intervene, with some asking for Navy protection after UK boats were trapped by an armada of French fisherman furious at them stripping scallop beds before they are authorised to do so.

Rocks, smoke bombs and other projectiles were hurled at English and Scottish vessels during the confrontation in the early hours of Tuesday.

Dramatic footage showed boats colliding as an object was thrown toward them.

Some of the British vessels are said to have later returned to UK harbours with signs of "criminal" damage.