All Eurotunnel services have been “temporarily suspended” due to “unexpected strikes” by French staff.

An update on the Eurotunnel website said: “Due to industrial action in France, all Le Shuttle services have been temporarily suspended. We apologise for the delay to your journey. Further updates will be provided shortly.”

The disruption is affecting journeys to and from London, threatening Christmas plans for many travellers.

The industrial action by staff is reported to be over end-of-year bonus pay.

Getlink, the company that manages and operates the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel, said trade unions had rejected a €1,000 (£866) bonus proposed by management and demanded for the amount to be trebled.

Train operator Eurostar (which carries passengers on foot) said in a post on X: “We would recommend postponing your journey if you can, even if it’s until tomorrow.”

Some services that had already departed were stopped on route and returned to their starting point, the operator said.

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While Le Shuttle (which is responsible for carrying vehicles and passengers) said: “Due to industrial action our service is suspended. Customers are advised that, as a consequence of this incident, access to our site is currently unavailable.

“If you are due to travel today please make alternative arrangements or modify your booking.”

Unverified posts on social media showed people stuck on trains or in stations as they tried to reach either London or Paris.

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