'Desperate migrants' in Calais smash lorry windscreens

Thirteen lorries were targeted by migrants in Calais on Tuesday night

An increasing number of hauliers are choosing to avoid the Port of Calais following violent attacks on trucks by migrants trying to reach the UK.

Thirteen lorries were hit with rocks, some having their windscreens smashed, as they approached the port on Tuesday.

Driver Paul Taylor said migrants "seemed more desperate, were taking more chances, and threatening drivers".

The Freight Transport Association said many hauliers were using alternative ports to avoid the "war zone".

Spokeswoman Julie Maddocks said the situation in Calais had not improved despite a secure area and fencing put in place by UK and French governments.

She said: "A lot of our members and drivers are saying they're being threatened with guns, [and] with knives."

Ms Maddocks said some migrants were waiting on motorway bridges and jumping onto lorries before using a knife or a hacksaw to get into the vehicle.

"Some drivers are being told if they sound their horns to alert the authorities that there's somebody in their vehicle or approaching them that they will be shot."

She added that a lot of hauliers were taking other measures to deliver their goods, either by air or using alternative ports such as Dunkirk or Zeebrugge.

BBC South East Today special correspondent Colin Campbell said he had seen a "heavy police presence" on the approach roads to the Port of Calais.

"In addition to trying to prevent attacks on vehicles they're here to try to stop migrants breaking through the security fence," he said.

Some lorries are reportedly being targeted by migrants jumping onto them from bridges