Tiger shark spotted by helicopter causes hundreds to flee Brighton Beach

Hundreds of swimmers at a popular Perth beach have been forced to flee after a tiger shark was spotted metres from the shore.

Surf Life Saving WA’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter spotted the 3m shark just 20m off Brighton Beach, near Scarborough, on Wednesday at 9.16am.

About 280 beachgoers — enjoying the surf on a day when the mercury is expected to peak at 39C — cleared the waters, according to Surf Life Saving.

A witness said a lifeguard confirmed the shark sighting, closing the beach.

The scare comes just a day after a teenager was bitten by a shark of an unknown species at a Mandurah beach.

Zac Hlaing was helped to the shore by another surfer after he was bitten on the leg at Pyramids Beach in Dawesville about 5.40am on Tuesday.

The 15-year-old told media outside Peel Health Campus that he was standing still and waiting for a wave when he felt the creature latch onto his leg.

“I wasn’t hurt or anything because I was still in shock. I just stayed chill, I tried not to panic or anything,” he said.

To stay up to date with shark activity visit the Shark Smart app.