SECURITY has been stepped up on ferries leaving Cherbourg for Poole in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Nigel Wonnacott, head of communications at Brittany Ferries, said there is heightened security across all five French ports it operates from.

He told the Echo that on the French side all outbound vehicles are now being searched after check in and before entering the restricted area, and a much higher percentage of foot passengers' bags are being searched before boarding.

"The primary areas of focus are the points of embarkation and entry, particularly on the French side as one would expect after the terrible attacks in Paris," he added.

"We can't do everything - but we can be absolutely vigilant and work closely with our colleagues at the port authority to make sure security is stepped up."

While the measures mean delays of up to an hour, he added: "Ultimately our advice for customers is to be patient, as I am sure they are already being, and expect checks to be more comprehensive both on the UK and particularly on the French side. And be vigilant. Security is everybody's responsibility at this difficult time and its something we all need to be looking out for."

In recent days several national newspapers quoting unnamed senior government sources have carried reports that security at ports and on ferries was a major concern. One source quoted in the Telegraph said: “Ports are something we have started to look at. Security at airports has been tightened in recent years and having done that there is a displacement affect. The more you make one area of attack less attractive, you inevitably make another more attractive.”

It also comes as Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill raises his fears that if expected police funding cuts go ahead it could leave ports in the county more vulnerable. Last week he wrote to Dorset MPs highlighting his concerns ahead of the Chancellor's Comprehensive Spending Review set to be announced on Wednesday.

MP for Bournemouth West Conor Burns said he has “no problem with Mr Underhill lobbying for the force he represents”, but that the government would “not make any budget decisions that would put the public at risk.”

He said that the government had recently increased investment into the secret services, adding: “The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been very clear that the security services have foiled a number of attacks in the last 12 months and before that.”

But while Mr Underhill believes Paris was a 'game changer' Christchurch MP Chris Chope said: "In a sense I don't think what has happened has altered the concerted need maintain border security."

He said following Wednesday's announcement he would be happy to discuss Mr Underhill's concerns with him.