A fast ferry which operates between Dover and Boulogne has been seized in France.

Speedferries craft Speed One was detained at the port of Boulogne on Thursday night.

Bolougne Chamber of Commerce, which operates the port, issued a statement in which it said the action had been taken because of "outstanding payments".

SpeedFerries' chief executive Curt Stavis said the Boulogne Chamber of Commerce action was totally unexpected and he did not know when sailings would resume.

He said: "The authorities had given written confirmation that no legal steps would be taken prior to a meeting planned for Friday.

"We were to present a proposal for a resolution of the issues relating to outstanding dues and taxes, as well as disputes with the port.

"The company deeply regrets this situation and asks everyone affected to accept our sincere apologies."

The Bolougne Chamber of Commerce statement added: "SpeedFerries has been advised of this order for some considerable time - but have taken no measures.

"Consequently the ship broker has taken the decision to proceed with the seizure of the ship to guarantee outstanding payments. Speed One is immobilised in the Port of Boulogne until agreement is reached.

"The Boulogne Chamber of Commerce is open to all solutions to resolve this situation favorably and rapidly in order for the service to resume as soon as possible."

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