French president, Nicolas Sarkozy lost his temper with two photographers while on holiday in America reports the Guardian.

Whilst sailing with his family in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, the politician is said to have snapped when he spotted media following him in a boat.

The president, wearing black trunks and aviator sunglasses apparently jumped aboard a vessel containing photographers and started shouting. “He was very agitated, speaking French at a loud volume very rapidly,” said freelancer Paul DeWitt. “At one point he approached me and took my camera”.

Despite the photographers’ repeated protestations that they did not speak French, Mr Sarkozy continued to let rip in his native tongue until his translator arrived and explained the President’s point of view.

Subsequently, after being assured that he would be able to continue his holiday unmolested Mr Sarkozy cooled down and returned to his boat.

In a later interview with French radio, Mr DeWitt said: “ One would have thought Mr Sarkozy was aware of what goes with being president of a large country”.