A group of Turkish fishermen allegedly opened fire on Greek rivals during a sea clash.

Footage shows a fishing boat approaching another vessel carrying Greek anglers in the Thracian Sea, off northern Greece, on September 2.

Gunshots can be heard as the boats confronted each other between the islands of Thasos and Samothrace.

Greek fishermen can also be heard protesting as the vessels from the Turkish moved dangerously close.

Witnesses said that the confrontation began after the Greek crews complained that Turkish boats had sailed too close to the Greek coast.

One Greek crew member said their vessels had been pushed back, forcing them to retreat.

Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said: 'There was no indication of fishing activity or incidents within Greek territorial waters. A full investigation in this matter was underway.'

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said the matter was being examined by the coast guard, and appropriate action would follow if a violation was confirmed.

She also referred to 'systematic illegal fishing' that she said threatens marine resources and violates sovereignty and sovereign rights.