Falkland Islands residents subjected to 'cyber attacks and abusive phone calls' by Argentinians

Public-facing business review pages are often attacked by spammers posting negative reviews and abusive messages.

Islanders say regular attempts are made to infiltrate and take over social media accounts.

Local businesses and prominent individuals often face a deluge of angry messages about the sovereignty of the islands and demands for the British to leave.

The online intimidation comes alongside abusive and threatening phone calls to island businesses.

One Chilean worker told the People's Channel of a particularly unpleasant call recently, where she was sworn at and called a traitor for working alongside islanders.

Locals have also told Britain's News Channel about the unacceptable behaviour of some of the Argentinians visiting the islands.

In recent months, some have been seen carrying the Argentinian flag through the main seafront road in the capital Stanley.

Some groups have also openly worn Argentinian football tops, in an act many here see as further intimidation.

One Falklands resident said: "Visitors are more than welcome here, but they have to behave appropriately.

"We are very respectful of the desire of Argentinians to visit these islands, especially those who want to pay their respects to Argentina's war dead.

"But they've got to be respectful of us. Parading through Stanley with Argentinian flags or walking in groups, wearing Argentine football tops, is not respectful. Many find it intimidating."

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Government was looking into the claims and said "any intimidation is unacceptable".

They added: "The Falklands Islands are British.

"And support for the islanders' right to self-determination is unwavering."