A CRUISE ship destined to leave Tilbury this evening for Amsterdam has been trapped at the port after the Port of London closed the Thames estuary to shipping traffic.

Thurrock-based Ambassador Cruises 'Ambition' was due to leave on a three day cruise at 8pm, but around 6.30pm passengers were told they would not be leaving for Amsterdam as the river had been closed as it was 'too dangerous'.

Freight traffic along the course of the river, including from ports at Purfleet, Tilbury and London Gateway and those on the Kent riverbank are also restricted.

Nationwide Storm Bert Storm Bert is continuing to hit the UK with snow, heavy rain and strong winds, causing disruption on roads and railways, as well as power cuts.

Several deaths across the country have been attributed to the storm.

A much anticipated Christmas market due to be held at the cruise terminal on Sunday has been cancelled.