Port is shut by military package
TRAFFIC was gridlocked on the A20 leading into Dover, Townwall Street and surrounding roads last Thursday after a suspicious package alert caused police to seal off the port.
Port of Dover Police installed a 400 metre cordon around the Eastern Docks at 4.45pm after two men, one in a lorry and one in a van, entered Dover from France with a quantity of what is now believed to be military collectors' items on board. The men were heading for the War and Peace Show in Detling.
Ministry of Defence bomb disposal experts were called in to assess the items. As soon as they were declared safe, at around 6.30pm, the docks were re-opened.
The men, a 44-year-old and 36-year-old, were questioned by UK Border Agency officers on suspicion of offences believed to fall under the Landmines Act 1998.
Kent Highways was also on standby to employ Operation Stack on the M20, but fortunately it was not needed.
Both men were released the next day, the 43-year-old was bailed pending further inquiries. The 36-year-old released without charge.
2 Comments
by Romneyrob
Friday, February 03 2012, 11:09PM
“Hardly going to the War and Peace Show, (which incidentally hasn't been at Detling for years), as thats not until July. I suspect they were going to the Stoneleigh military show in the Midlands last weekend. As a Kent site you should know better, and at least apologise for slurring what is the biggest event of its kind in the World, and which we are lucky to have here in the county.”
by horbaczewski
Thursday, February 02 2012, 11:45PM
“Surely you mean Stoneleigh? War and Peace is at Paddock Wood (Beltring) and Detling is in August.....”