A package that triggered a bomb scare turned out to be harmless.

The alert led to a ferry being evacuated at the Port of Dover on Saturday and the army being called in.

But an army spokesman today confirmed: "This was a false alarm as it was a harmless object."

The suspect package had been found on board a 6.40am P&O Ferries vessel.

It led to emergency services rushing to Dover Eastern Docks and passengers had to disembark and stay at a terminal building until searches were carried out.

The all-clear was given at 10.15am.

A spokesman from Dover Harbour Board, said at the time: "The Port of Dover can confirm there was a security alert this morning on board a P&O ferry within the Port which temporarily affected journey times and some ferry departures while the authorities were in attendance.”

Read more: All the latest news from Dover