It's police protection

Reports of youngsters climbing on Randy, boat rage and scuffles between dolphin fans determined to get as close as possible have forced a clampdown.

The move follows a busy bank holiday weekend when hundreds of people lined the beach at Chesil Cove, Portland, to catch a glimpse of the friendly bottlenose who has become Weymouth and Portland's newest attraction.

Police are working in partnership with various conservation groups, including English Nature and the Durlston Marine Project, to try and ensure the safety of both Randy and people wanting to see him.

They say it is an offence to disturb, harass or harm dolphins under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996, and police say they will prosecute anyone caught breaching the laws.

Regular beach patrols along stretches where he is spotted and a voluntary no-swim zone around the dolphin have also been set up.

The moves are designed to try and make the Weymouth and Portland waters safer for Randy, who is also known as Georges, because experts fear the busy boating community could eventually kill him.

PC Don Roper, of Dorset Police marine section, said: "Most people have treated Randy with respect and seem interested in his welfare. But we have set up beach patrols to check nobody is putting either themselves or the dolphin in danger and anyone deemed to be harassing him will be arrested."

Leaflets and posters have been distributed containing advice for people wanting to see Randy, who has a dangerous habit of biting boat propellers.

It stresses the importance for boat owners to keep at a slow 'no wake' speed and for swimmers not to touch him.

Victoria Copley, of English Nature, said: "While it is exciting to be close to a dolphin, people should remember that this is a wild animal whose behaviour may be unpredictable. For the safety of people and the dolphin, we urge everyone to respect him and follow the code of conduct that is available."