Eurotunnel said that train services had been suspended in both directions Tuesday after protesting French sailors got onto the tracks of the line that links France and Britain and began to torch tyres.

"We have been notified that protesters have gained access to rail tracks which means that for safety reasons Eurotunnel have to temporarily suspend their service," the firm said in a statement. A spokeswoman told AFP protesters had "got onto the tracks and were burning tyres."