Ferry bomb scare: Army explosives experts called to Dover as passengers and crew are evacuated and two crossings are cancelled with other ships unable to enter port
- A suspicious package has been found on board a ferry which was evacuated
- Police and bomb disposal experts descended on Port of Dover as crossing cancelled
- ‘Authorities are currently in attendance, and all passengers and non-essential crew have been evacuated as a precaution
Passengers and staff have been evacuated following a bomb alert at the Port of Dover’s Eastern Dock.
A suspicious package has been found on board a ferry, sparking bomb disposal teams to arrive at the Port of Dover.
A British Army Royal Logistical Corps van, which deals with bomb disposals, was spotted entering the main loading area earlier.
The 6.40am P&O Ferry sailing from Dover was cancelled as its customers were told to evacuate the ship after the discovery was made.
A bomb disposal vehicle is seen entering the main loading site at the Port of Dover
P&O Ferries’ 6.40am sailing from Dover was cancelled as its customers were told to evacuate the ship after the discovery was made
Highways England have also engaged Operation TAP, with lorries stacking up in a mile-long queue on the A20 as they wait to move into the port.
There are currently two ships in port, which handles around 85 arrivals and departures daily.
Delays are to be expected this morning to anyone crossing the Channel at Dover.
A statement from P&O Ferries, said: ‘A suspicious package was found on one of our ships this morning, the authorities are currently in attendance, and all passengers and non-essential crew have been evacuated as a precaution.’
A statement from P&O Ferries, said: ‘A suspicious package was found on one of our ships this morning, the authorities are currently in attendance, and all passengers and non-essential crew have been evacuated as a precaution’
Passengers stand beside dozens of marshals in hi-vis jackets as they await news about the delay to their ferry crossings, some of which have been delayed by up to two hours
P&O Ferries tweeted that its 6.40am and 7.25am crossings would be scrapped while police attend an incident at the Eastern Docks.
Highways England sent out a tweet warning travellers that the incident is likely to affect morning crossings while the situation is brought under control.
A tweet said: ‘If you are travelling to the Port of Dover this morning. Please be aware of the below that could affect your journey times. Thank you.’