Gibraltar accuses Spain of 'gross violation of sovereignty' over customs operation

Gibraltar accused Spain of a "gross violation of British sovereignty" after two customs officials entered the British overseas territory during an anti-smuggling operation.

Early on February 2, two Spanish customs agents were injured after rocks were thrown at them on a Gibraltar beach.

Their small boat had lost power while chasing suspected tobacco smugglers, according to Spanish media reports, according to Zawya.

In a video of the incident on Spanish daily El Pais' website, the smugglers are seen shouting "This is Gibraltar. This is not your job!"

Other videos on social media appear to show shots fired during the altercation, but it is not clear who fired them.

In a statement on February 3, Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: "The evidence surrounding this incident discloses a gross violation of British sovereignty and, potentially, the most serious and dangerous incident for many years".

He said Gibraltar needed to investigate the facts before deciding on what diplomatic response to take, but added "the events indicate that the actions by the Spanish officials are intolerable".