Steam Packet passengers are being advised to carry identification and check-in early for sailings.

It’s in response to enhanced security measures introduced at UK ports, including Heysham.

The UK terror threat level has been raised to ’critical’ following the Manchester Arena attack on Monday.

As a result, some police services are requiring additional security checks at ports, including compulsory identification checks for all passengers and more vehicle searches.

These measures were introduced at Heysham on this afternoon (Wednesday).

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’We were given very little notice of the new police requirements at Heysham ahead of them being implemented.

’We are, of course, fully cooperating with the new requirements and have been working with Lancashire Constabulary and our passengers to minimise disruption while enhanced security checks are conducted.

’It is a fast-developing situation which could soon affect other ports we sail from, and we do not know how long the enhanced security measures will be in place.

’On that basis we are advising all passengers to arrive early at the ports, to allow extra time for security checks, and to carry valid identification just in case.’

He said that while the Steam Packet does not require ID, the police may, if allowed by law, so it is sensible to have identification with you just in case. ’We will keep passengers updated on the situation as it develops.’