THRILL-SEEKERS using a Hampshire river for an action-packed new watersport are being urged to tone down their war games - because they could be mistaken for terrorists.

Police are worried a huge influx of visitors to the Solent for this year's Festival of the Sea could think they are under attack from the amphibious paintballers.

Rupert Bonham-Smith, who runs the games from Warsash, has received a letter from a senior Hampshire police officer organising security for the event, which starts on June 20.

They have asked him to meet them to discuss their "serious concerns" over the "open sea battles" they offer customers.

Now Mr Bonham-Smith hopes to sit down with police chiefs and find a way he can continue to run the games - popular with stag weekends - during the naval festivities.

He said: "I think they've got a valid point, but I'm sure there's some way we can discuss exactly what we do and iron out any problems.

"That will be our busiest time, with things really hotting up and us out on the water every weekend, so we really don't want to lose the business."

Security chief, Supt Dave Thomas, added: "It's a big security operation and we don't want any mistakes made.

"We have a duty of care and just want to make sure he is safe on the water and he wants the same for his paying customers.

"We're getting together next week so we can sort out any problems and public safety can be maintained."

Mr Bonham-Smith says amphibious paintballing takes its inspiration from his grandfather George Fanner, who commanded the 63rd Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla during D-Day.

Billed as the most innovative and action-packed event on the water, amphibious paintballing takes place in ex-special forces rigid inflatable boats.

There are two games - an open sea battle and an amphibious landing, including a commando-style raid up a beach. Pyrotechnics are used to give a more realistic feel to the battleground.

The International Festival of the Sea is described as "the greatest festival fleet ever", with more than 400 craft assembled in the Solent in late June and early July.