The plea comes after a flare was allegedly spotted in the Flatts area at about 9.15 p.m. on Sunday.

Marine Police went to the area, but found nothing wrong.

It is thought the flare may have come from a boat in the Marion-Bermuda Race.

"We would urge people not to send off flares for fun,'' a Harbour Radio spokesman said. "It causes problems, and wastes time. It destroys the whole point.''