Ferry disruption after 'fleas' discovered on board

Ferry passengers were facing disruption on Sunday after a car ferry was taken out of service for fumigation.

Wightlink said "insects, possibly fleas", were identified in an area of the passenger lounge on board its St Clare ferry, requiring "specialist fumigation and enhanced cleaning".

More than 10 sailings on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route have been cancelled as a result.

The ferry operator apologised for the disruption and said the vessel would return to service once the treatment programme was completed and required checks had been carried out.

Additional operational measures were being implemented to minimise the impact on customer journeys, it added.

A Wightlink spokesperson said the fleas likely emanated from a pet travelling on the ferry.