Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

This alleged Spanish smuggler has died after his boat collided with a Gibraltar coast guard vessel during a chase in British waters sparking riots in the wake of his death.

The 42-year-old man, identified in reports as Alfredo Morodo Gutierrez, reportedly died in a police chase in the waters of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula.

Local media report two vessels were involved in the chase, one in which the deceased was travelling and another from the coast guard of the British territory who were carrying out an operation against tobacco smuggling.

Reports state Gutierrez died from serious injuries after his boat collided with the law enforcement vessel.

Local media report the man’s death has caused outrage in the city of La Linea de la Concepcion in the province of Cadiz with protesters throwing objects and threatening the officers allegedly involved.

Reports allege Gutierrez was a well-known tobacco smuggler in the area but it is unclear if he had a criminal record.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident. It is unclear if any arrests were made in the operation.

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