The company announced the news on its Facebook page this afternoon (Wed) as security is tightened across the UK and the Isle of Man following the recent decision to raise the terror threat level to critical.

The move follows the Manchester Arena bombing on Monday evening.

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

The measures were introduced at Heysham this afternoon.

Steam Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward says they were given very little notice of the new police requirements which could soon affect other ports from which the company sails.

It's not known how long the measures will be in place.

All passengers are being advised to arrive early and carry valid ID just in case.

Passengers will be updated in due course.

More details are on http://www.steam-packet.com/latestsailings