A German man's been bailed and another released without charge after a major security alert was sparked at Dover.

It comes after UK Border Agency officers seized a haul including ammunition and other military memorabilia from a van arriving on a ferry from Calais at Dover's Eastern Docks yesterday.

The ferry port was closed and bomb disposal experts drafted in when the alarm was raised at about 4.45pm.

Port of Dover Police set up a 200 metre safety cordon after UK Border Agency officials detained the men, one in a lorry and the other in a van.

Experts from the Ministry of Defence assessed the weapons, described as collectors' items believed to be en route to a military show, and declared them safe.

The port was re-opened at about 7.30pm, but the alert left heavy congestion on roads, including the A20 and M20.

Ferries approaching the port were held in the English Channel while the alert was dealt with as a precaution.

A UK Border Agency spokesman said today: "Two men were arrested on suspicion of customs offences and were questioned by UK Border Agency investigators.

"A 43-year-old man from Germany has been now bailed pending further enquiries, while a 36-year-old man from Germany has been released without charge.

"The items seized are now being examined by forensic specialists."