Drivers heading to Calais are being warned to take care amid France's escalating protests over rising fuel prices which have already seen hauliers attacked.

Action on the continent is now entering its sixth day and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) warned motorists demonstrations are now taking place along the A16 in Calais.

Today French police used water canons and teargas as thousands of 'yellow vest' demonstrators arrived at the Champs Elysee.

Two people have died and more than 750 have been injured so far.

Across the country roads have been blocked with burning barricades and slow-moving convoys have stopped access to fuel depots.

The demonstrations began against increases in the fuel tax and then turned against the economic policies of President Emmanuel Macron. In Paris around 3,000 police officers have been drafted in after a huge crowd called for President Macron's resignation.

Sarah Laouadi, FTA’s European policy manager, said: "We advise all drivers planning to travel to Calais to be very careful.

"The protest shows little sign of dissipating. Trucks have been caught in illegal road blocks, with dangerous objects being placed on the road by protesters and two drivers have been victims of attacks with broken windows.

"Drivers are advised to be particularly vigilant as stowaway attempts have been reported amid this chaotic situation; vehicles stopped in queues are particularly vulnerable and there is notable traffic congestion. Incidents between demonstrators and police officers have also been reported."

Yesterday a man armed with a grenade who demanded an audience with President Macron was detained in Western France.

The FTA's warning on migrants using the chaos in Calais to stowaway comes as the Kent has seen numerous attempts by migrants to land dinghies and small boats off the coast.