Shark spotted in Whanganui River

Dublin St bridge over Whanganui River, near where a shark has been spotted. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

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Police are warning users of the Whanganui River to beware of a shark that has been spotted swimming up the river.

It was last seen at about 12.10pm about 200m north of Dublin St bridge.

Acting Sergeant Michael Roycroft from Whanganui Central police said a number of people had seen the shark, including himself.

"We saw a dorsal fin which we believe belongs to a shark. It's probably a metre to a metre-and-a-half long."

Mr Roycroft said he had never heard of sharks being seen in the river before.

"Hopefully at the turn of the tide it will make its way back downstream."

Tynan Hunter, who was jogging over the bridge about noon, said he initially thought it was a dolphin.

"I could see it coming from the south. I couldn't believe my eyes."

He said people gathered at the shoreline to watch.

"It was horrible and sickening, seeing it slowly manoeuvre his tail."

- NZ Herald staff

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