COASTGUARDS have warned about the illegal firing of red flares after a false alarm connected to Olympic celebrations.

Portland Coastguard received calls from HMS Bulwark and Dorset Police reporting red distress flares in Newtons Cove, Weymouth, yesterday.

It was confirmed it had been fired from inland and believed to be 'over-exuberant' Olympic celebrations. The person firing the flare was given a warning.

A coastguard spokesman said: “It is an offence to falsely fire red flares either on land or in the marine environment, other than when a genuine distress situation exists.”