Ferry Held in Dover for Over 10 Hours as Murder Suspect Arrested in Dramatic Police Operation
Ferry Held in Dover for Over 10 Hours as Murder Suspect Arrested in Dramatic Police Operation
DOVER – Tuesday 8 July 2025 | 16:00
A cross-Channel ferry was held in port for more than 10 hours today after police boarded the vessel to arrest a man wanted in connection with a murder investigation.
Passengers aboard the DFDS ferry, which had only just departed for Calais, were left stranded as armed officers forced the ship to return to the Port of Dover at around 6:00am. The vessel remained detained throughout the day as the investigation unfolded.
The 22-year-old suspect was detained as part of the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Tyler Haywood in Chingford, east London, on Sunday night.
Haywood was found with a critical stab wound on Chingford Mount Road shortly after 9:00pm. Despite efforts by paramedics and trauma doctors, he died at the scene.
Murder Investigation Spans Counties
The arrest at Dover follows a multi-agency operation involving the Metropolitan Police, Kent Police, and UK Border Force. Officers launched the dramatic portside raid fearing the suspect was trying to flee the country.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, 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.”
Ferry Passengers Stranded
Frustrated ferry passengers took to social media to express confusion and concern over the lengthy delay, with some describing the situation as “surreal.”
One traveller tweeted: “We’ve been stuck on this ferry since early morning. No one told us what’s happening — just police everywhere.”
DFDS confirmed in a brief statement:
“One of our vessels was delayed at Dover earlier today due to a police-led incident. The situation has now been resolved and services are expected to resume shortly. We apologise to our passengers for the inconvenience caused.”
Ongoing Appeal for Information
The Metropolitan Police are continuing to appeal for information related to Tyler Haywood’s murder. No further arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7174/06Jul, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
