Britain summons Spanish ambassador in protest at Spanish vessels in Gibraltar waters

LONDON – Britain has summoned the Spanish ambassador as a sign of displeasure in the latest spat over Gibraltar.

The Foreign Office condemned what it called a "provocative incursion" into British waters by a Spanish research vessel.

Europe Minister David Liddington said Wednesday that the research ship was accompanied by a Spanish Civil Guard vessel whose "dangerous maneuvering" was a safety threat.

This is the fourth time since 2011 that Spain's ambassador has been summoned over Gibraltar, a British territory at the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula.

Tensions grew last year after Gibraltar built an artificial reef that Spain says hurts its fishermen. Spain retaliated by beefing up border security, creating delays.

Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has persistently sought to regain the tiny territory.