Jump threat man talked down

One of the main routes to the Port of Dover was closed for three hours

An asylum seeker has caused disruption at one of the country's busiest ports by threatening to jump down a 50-foot drop from a road.

One of the main routes to the Port of Dover in Kent was completely shut off for three hours on Tuesday as the man - believed to be an Iraqi - stood on the edge of the road, which hangs over the harbour complex.

He finally came back over the barrier on Jubilee Way at 1930 BST and is now being interviewed by Kent Police.

The man is thought to have been making demands about his application for asylum in the UK.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said the alarm had been raised at 1630 BST when a member of the public spotted the man on the wrong side of the barrier.

We were concerned about this man and didn't want to do anything that would upset or alarm him

Kent Police spokeswoman

"As a result Kent Police closed the road and diversions were immediately put in place," she said.

"We were concerned about this man and didn't want to do anything that would upset or alarm him when he was in such a precarious position.

"We advised people to avoid the area while we talked to him to deter him from risking his life.

"We are now pleased that he is safe."

The spokeswoman said on Tuesday evening that the man had not been charged.

She was unable to confirm whether his actions had been a suicide attempt or a protest over asylum.

The road has now re-opened and congestion in the Port of Dover area is clearing, police said.

Sources at the Port of Dover said ferries had continued to run in and out of the harbour despite the incident on the fly-over.