Bomb alert prevents ferries from docking in Liverpool

Two ferries carrying passengers from Ireland have been prevented from docking in Liverpool this morning following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb.

The 500lb device was found in the River Mersey and is due to be detonated by navy experts this afternoon.

The Dublin Viking and Mersey Viking, which had departed from Dublin and Belfast, have been told to wait for the alert to be cleared before they can reach port.

The two vessels are carrying around 250 passengers and crew and are expected to dock sometime later today.

Norfolk Line, the company that operates the ferries, says all those on board, as well as passengers in the Merseyside terminals, have been very understanding and have been offered additional food and refreshments to make up for the delay.