A CRUISE liner has been forced to return to port in Southampton after a "security alert". 

The Queen Victoria cruise liner had to turn around on Friday and return to the dock.

Police investigated the incident upon the Cunard vessel's return at around 5pm that day. 

However, they believe it was a hoax. 

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The ship was able to depart again later that evening. 

A police spokesperson said: "The vessel returned to dock in Southampton to allow officers to carry out their enquiries, which indicated the alert was a hoax.

"Officers are continuing their investigations into the hoax. No arrests have been made at this time."

A spokesperson for Associated British Ports said the firm could not comment on an ongoing investigation. 

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