Ferry evacuated on way from Belfast to Liverpool over reports of device on board

'Nothing was found and passengers have been allowed to board the vessel again which will shortly depart for Liverpool,' says police

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the Belfast to Liverpool service was held in the Northern Irish capital while the vessel was searched (Getty)

Passengers have been evacuated from a ferry in Belfast after a report a “device” had been left on board.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the Belfast-to-Liverpool service was held in the Northern Irish capital while the vessel was searched.

At around 12.50am on Sunday, the PSNI said no device was found and passengers were permitted to re-embark.

"Belfast Harbour Police and PSNI officers have carried out a search of a boat docked in Belfast, following a report that a device had been left on board," the police said in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Nothing was found and passengers have been allowed to board the vessel again which will shortly depart for Liverpool."