THIS was the scene over Dover’s Eastern Docks when a caravan caught fire, sending a family’s holiday plans up in smoke.

The fire happened at 7pm on Thursday as the caravan and car were waiting to board a ferry in one of the embarkation lanes.

First on the scene were Port of Dover staff, who let off fire extinguishers and managed to move other cars nearby. Two fire engines from Dover, with 10 crew, arrived at the scene minutes later.

Dover sub officer, Tony Northcott, said: "The caravan was well alight when we arrived and we had to take the decision to sacrifice it, to save the cars nearby."

Sub officer Northcott also praised the quick-thinking actions of the Port of Dover police, who had already rescued a gas canister from the back of the caravan, preventing a possible explosion.

Fire crews were on the scene for around 45 minutes. It is not yet known what caused the caravan to burst into flames and the couple who were towing it come from Norfolk.

Meanwhile, a Port of Dover spokesman, said a higher visible Port of Dover Police presence is patrolling the port, following the heightened terrorist threat to the UK.

Armed police have also been sent to the port, by Kent Police, although police say intelligence suggests there is no specific threat to Kent. Armed police have also been deployed to Eurotunnel, Ashford International Station and Manston Airport.

Port spokesman, Keith Southey, said: "There will be a higher uniformed police presence in the port and we would urge the travelling public to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious."

Mr Southey added that there was also evidence of extra people driving to the port to try and keep travel plans, while planes were grounded at UK airports.