Passengers aboard a ferry in Dover were kept on the vessel for several hours while authorities conducted a search for a murder suspect linked to the death of a man in east London.

On Tuesday, the ferry departed for Calais but was quickly directed back to Dover within minutes. Once docked, the vessel underwent a thorough police investigation, as reported by the BBC.

Later in the evening, a 22-year-old man was arrested at the port on suspicion of murdering Tyler Hayward, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The 26-year-old victim was discovered with a stab wound on Chingford Mount Road in Waltham Forest on Sunday night. Emergency services responded, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Tyler’s family released a statement expressing their grief: “We are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of Tyler, a wonderful person with the kindest heart.

“He was a dearly loved son, grandson, and brother, and his absence will be profoundly felt.”

The ferry remained at the port for nearly ten hours before resuming its journey to Calais.

Debbie Watson, one of the passengers, remarked, “We boarded the ferry at 10 a.m. in Dover, and after around eight-and-a-half hours, we are still on board, with police preventing us from disembarking or continuing our journey.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is overseeing the investigation, stated: “Since Sunday, we have been conducting thorough inquiries, which led to these searches at the Port of Dover.

“I appreciate the collaboration of Kent Police and other agencies during this operation, as well as the understanding of those disrupted by this necessary work.”