Ferry passengers stranded in murder suspect search

Tyler Hayward was found with a stab wound in Waltham Forest and died at the scene

Passengers on a ferry in Dover were held on board for hours while police searched for a murder suspect wanted in connection with the death of a man in east London.

On Tuesday, the ferry had set off for Calais but was returned to Dover within minutes. It was then subjected to a major police search, the BBC was told.

In the evening, a 22-year-old was arrested at the Port on suspicion of the murder of Tyler Hayward, the Metropolitan Police said.

The 26-year-old was found with a stab wound on Chingford Mount Road in Waltham Forest on Sunday evening. Paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Tyler's family said: "We are struggling with the tragic loss of Tyler, a beautiful soul with the kindest of heart's.

"A much loved son, grandson and brother, that will be missed immensely."

'Extensive enquiries'

The ferry was held at the Port for about ten hours before it set off for Calais again.

Debbie Watson, who was on board, said: "We boarded the ferry at 10am at Dover and some eight-and-a-half hours later we are still sat on it with police stopping us from sailing or getting off."

Det Ch Insp Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the Met's investigation, said: "Since Sunday we have been making extensive enquiries and this resulted in searches being carried out at the Port of Dover.

"I'd like to thank Kent Police and other agencies for their support as we carried out these checks, as well as members of the public who were disrupted while this vital work took place."