THE first two of the toxic ships heading for Teesside sailed into British waters last night - and a political storm.

As the contaminated American vessels, dubbed the ghost ships, drew ever closer to Hartlepool to be dismantled, the row surrounding the vessels intensified.

Environment minister Margaret Beckett has said the ships will be allowed to enter Hartlepool, although they must eventually be sent back to America.

But the company with the contract to dismantle the vessels, Able UK, has insisted the final decision could not be taken until the legal situation was established in a judicial review next month.

Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson has entered the debate accusing environmental groups of scaremongering.

He told the BBC: "I think it is right that environmental organisations like Friends of the Earth are vigilant and highlight concerns, but I have to say I have been shocked by their behaviour throughout this. They have alarmed and whipped up public opinion in Hartlepool.''

Mr Mandelson said the ships posed no greater threat to the environment than any other vessels which needed to be broken up.

Peter Stephenson, managing director of Able UK, said: "I hope that, as a result of the comments of Mr Mandelson and other independent voices, local people - and perhaps even some sections of the media - will come to recognise that they have been manipulated by the scaremongers."

Friends of the Earth executive director Tony Juniper said the pressure group wanted to ensure international laws were upheld.

He said: "The facts speak for themselves. These ships do contain dangerous toxic materials and do pose an environmental threat. That is why the US is so keen to get rid of them."

Environmental campaigner Neil Marley, said he and others would stage a protest when the Caloosahatchee and Canopus arrive in Hartlepool on Wednesday. They were expected to pass Dover at lunchtime today. Two other ships are due to enter UK waters on November 18.

Mr Marley said: "We've got our MP basically backing an illegal deal which will pollute our town and sea. The Government has spent millions changing the image of Hartlepool as a filthy place, but who is going to want to visit a harbour full of dead fish?"