P&O cancels services and tells ships to stay in port

P&O Ferries has paused its services "in preparation for a company announcement" later on Thursday.

The ferry operator said it was not going into liquidation but all ferries had been instructed to stay in port.

As a result some sailings scheduled for today have been cancelled, with passengers told to use other companies that sail their routes.

P&O services scheduled today include 14 between Dover and Calais and three between Liverpool and Dublin.

A spokesperson said: "P&O Ferries is not going into liquidation. We have asked all ships to come alongside, in preparation for a company announcement. Until then, services from P&O will not be running and we are advising travellers of alternative arrangements."