RESIDENTS are being warned to expect ‘increased activity’ on the waters of Weymouth Bay as a training exercise gets under way with the Royal Navy ship HMS Bulwark.

The 18,500-tonne vessel, which arrived last night, is taking part in a four-day security training exercise ahead of the Olympics, led by Dorset Police.

The live exercise on board HMS Bulwark will see the county force working with the Royal Navy to test security arrangements and systems in advance of the Games.

The ship will then return to Weymouth and Portland in July and will be used by Dorset Police as a command base during the Olympic and Paralympic windsurfing and sailing events.

Assistant chief constable Adrian Whiting, who is leading Dorset’s safety and security operation, said: “Our role includes supporting the organisers and athletes by ensuring the fields of play on the water are safe and secure.

“To do this, we will use small watercraft, including rigid hull inflatable boats and jet skis, as well as launches crewed by Dorset officers and marine police officers from other forces around the country.

“In partnership with the Royal Navy, Dorset Police will have access to the widest range of maritime expertise.”