Hundreds of fuel tanker drivers have begun a four-day strike in a row over pay, picketing Shell sites across the UK.

The industrial action began after talks between the Unite union and managers from two firms which deliver fuel to Shell garages broke down amid fears it could cause petrol shortages.

Striking tanker drivers mounted picket lines at a number of Shell sites based at oil terminals including Stanlow in Merseyside, Avonmouth, Plymouth, Pembroke, Cardiff, Kingsbury, Basildon, Grangemouth, Aberdeen, Inverness, Jarrow and a small site at Luton Airport.

The strike will affect one in 10 of Britain's 9,500 filling stations, but the Government and the oil and transport industries have urged motorists not to panic-buy fuel.