French 'turned a blind eye' to Eurotunnel protest

French authorities knew striking ferry workers were planning to disrupt Channel Tunnel services and turned a blind eye, say sources who have spoken to BBC South East Today.

French workers breached security fences and set fire to tyres on the tracks two weeks ago. They broke in again last week, bringing Channel Tunnel traffic to a standstill and causing chaos in the South East.

Damian Collins, who is the MP for Folkestone and Hythe, said the French authorities "had not got a grip" of the situation at Calais.

And Keith Vaz MP, who is the chairman of the home affairs select committee, said the lack of security was "extremely disturbing".

The BBC's Peter Whittlesea reports.