Lancashire Constabulary are urging members of the public to keep a safe distance from the large scale salvage operation ongoing in Anchorsholme, Blackpool, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

There is currently an exclusion zone in place around the 'Riverdance' vessel which has been put up under instruction of the Secretary of State Representative for Salvage and Intervention for public safety.

A small section of the prom has also been closed off to allow access to heavy and dangerous machinery and equipment but a safe area has been kept clear so that visitors to the site can clearly see the ferry from a safe distance.

The cordon is being policed by private security staff but Lancashire police are providing ongoing assistance as required.

People found to be in breach of the cordon will be asked to move on and if this request is refused, the police are warning they could be fined.

If an individual refuses to give details then they will risk being put under arrest.

Inspector Newton from Lancashire Constabulary, said: "The police operation on the ground is primarily one of public safety.

"We've had huge numbers of visitors over the last week to see the spectacle and we have been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to facilitate the salvage operation and prevent people going onto the sand and out to the vessel.

"The area remains dangerous and unstable so people must remain cautious."

The ship was carrying 1,199 tonnes of freight in lorry trailers and containers and some of the contents from trailers have fallen overboard.

At this time these are digestive biscuits and some baulks of timber and scrap metal which is in the process of being cleaned up by contractors.

All of the cargo is non hazardous and of low value.

However, would-be looters have been warned against searching for souvenirs.

Inspector Newton said: "Luckily the ship's cargo is low value and the salvage operation has so far been successful at keeping the majority of cargo on board the ferry.

"But souvenir hunters must be warned that looting is a crime and Lancashire police have the powers to prosecute those involved.

"People failing to comply with instructions or cross into the exclusion zone may by liable to prosecution and a hefty fine."

A contractor is in place to recover any items washed ashore.

People should not remove any items they find from the beaches but inform the police on 0845 1253545.