Natural Resources Wales has received reports of "several people" trying to remove rocks with sledgehammers and crowbars at Bendricks Bay, following the discovery of a dinosaur footprint last Friday.

The government body says that several areas of the location, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), have been damaged.

SSSIs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to remove, damage or destroy rocks from this site without permission. This can lead to fines of up to £20,000.

"We've been made aware of a number of reports of anti-social behaviour this weekend, following the news of a new dinosaur footprint being discovered at a beach in south Wales," said Natural Resources Wales.

"Around 50 people attended the site near Barry – and although the majority of visitors left no trace of their visit, we've unfortunately received reports of several people trying to remove rocks with sledgehammers and crow bars leading to several areas of the site being damaged.

"The site where the fossil was discovered is an SSSI, which contains geological features that require careful site management in order to protect and preserve them.

"Under the current Welsh Government guidelines you should only visit the site if you live locally to the area."

Anyone who sees any instances of anti-social behaviour on site is encouraged to report it to the police via 101.

Anyone attempting to remove rocks can also be reported to the Natural Resources Wales incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.