The Gravesend to Tilbury ferry service has been suspended until further notice following damage to the pontoon that leads to the vessel from Gravesend Town Pier.

Jetstream Tours, which runs the service across the River Thames to Essex, said the ferry stopped today and apologised to customers.

Pier owners Gravesham council stopped the public accessing the bridge to the pontoon after declaring it unsafe.

A Jetstream Tours spokesman urged customers to use alternative transport until the company announces the ferry is back up and running.

A statement on the company's website today reads: "There will be no service from June 6 until further notice due to damage at Gravesend Town Pier.

"The pier owners (Gravesham council) have removed access to the general public due to the access bridge to the pier being declared as unsafe. Sadly this means that the ferry has been forced to cease operation until the access bridge has been repaired.

"Repair times for the pier are currently unknown and we have been advised that repairs could effect the service for the next two weeks.

"Jetstream Tours urges customers that for at least the next few days to use alternative transport routes until further annoucements on the service are made.

"Jetstream Tours apologises for any inconvenience caused."

Jetstream Tours operates the service on behalf of Kent County Council and Thurrock council from Monday to Saturday all year around.

Suggestions for bus services to use while the ferry isn't operating can be found here.

Riva bar on the pier is open as usual.

Gravesham council has been approached for a comment.