MONT-DE-MARSAN, France, Aug 25 (AFP) – A field of genetically modified maize planted by the US group Monsanto in south-western France was ripped up this week by unidentified individuals, police said Wednesday.

The destruction occurred in the village of Magescq overnight Monday, officers said, adding that the company was expected to lodge a formal criminal complaint against persons unknown on Thursday.

Several groups in France, including farmers and anti-globalisation campaigners, are hostile to genetically modified crops, saying they may pose a danger to the environment and the food chain.

Several fields of such hybrid plants have been torn up in the past, notably by activists loyal to French farmer and anti-globalisation leader Jose Bove.