Police raided a ferry at the Port of Dover to arrest a murder suspect leaving passengers stranded for 10 hours.
The huge operation saw officers force the DFDS ship to return to shore yesterday morning shortly after departing for Calais.
Last night the Met Police confirmed a 22-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Tyler Hayward in Waltham Forest, east London on Sunday.
Det Ch Insp Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: ‘The thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tyler’s family and our specially trained officers continue to support them at this difficult time.
‘Since Sunday we have been making extensive enquiries and this resulted in searches being carried out at the Port of Dover today.
‘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.’
Those aboard the vessel have spoken out about the ‘stressful experience’.
Helen Burdall, a mother-of-three, was on the DFDS ship Cote d’Opale after boarding at 10am at the Port of Dover alongside her family for a 10-day holiday to France.
Last night the Met Police confirmed a 22-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Tyler Hayward (pictured) in Waltham Forest, east London on Sunday
The huge operation saw officers force the DFDS ship to return to shore yesterday morning shortly after departing for Calais (file image)
She had been travelling with her husband Luke and their children aged seven, five and two, telling KentOnline the boat set off about half an hour after its scheduled departure of 10.40am.
But after no more than 20 minutes into the crossing to Calais it had turned back around to Dover.
The 37-year-old, who lives on the Kent-Sussex border, said: ‘We weren’t given any information other than they were apparently looking for somebody criminal.
‘For the first four hours, we were kept upstairs and weren’t allowed to get down to the cars at all.
‘Then we were all moved downstairs to the car deck and had to stay in our vehicles for two hours. We were then moved back upstairs to Deck 8. It’s been quite stressful.’
Ms Burdall said staff were also in the dark and could not update passengers with any news.
However, those aboard were reportedly offered food and water.
The ferry finally set off for Calais at around 8.40pm and the Met Police issued a statement shortly after confirming the force had made an arrest.
After no more than 20 minutes into the crossing to Calais the ferry had turned back around to Dover (Pictured: White Cliffs of Dover)
An investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 9.14pm on Sunday, July 6.
Met officers responded with paramedics and 26-year-old Tyler Hayward was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
In a statement, the victim’s family said: ‘We are struggling with the tragic loss of Tyler, a beautiful soul with the kindest of hearts.
‘A much-loved son, grandson and brother, who will be missed immensely. We would appreciate privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with our loss.’
DFDS has been contacted for comment.
