KENT Police say Dave the Dolphin, regularly spotted swimming off the Kent coast for the past year, has become so humanised that he now poses a danger to people.

In recent months police have asked people to stay clear of Dave but some have ignored the plea.

In one case, a man was seen trying to place his child on Dave's back for a dolphin ride.

A police spokesman said the youngster would have been "at considerable risk" if Dave had headed for deeper water.

Kent Police said there have been reports that Dave, who lives in the Channel off Sandgate, near Folkestone, has even stopped people from leaving the water.

The spokesman added: "In similar cases, dolphins like Dave start to display their dominance and that is when there is a likelihood of injury to both the dolphin and humans."

The force has also received reports of small craft getting close to Dave because his fear has diminished, which increases the chance of the dolphin being struck by a boat or a propeller.

Marine patrols are taking place over the next few days and police said action will be taken against anyone approaching Dave.

* Dolphins are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way act 2000) which makes it an offence to recklessly or intentionally harass a dolphin.