Regular sightings of the blue shark have been made over the last few weeks around the Heugh breakwater and Pilot Pier on the Headland, with shoals of mackerel thought to be attracting the shark nearer to the coastline.

The Mail's angling correspondent Steve Walker, who regularly fishes near the pier, has been told by various fisherman that the shark has been spotted.

Steve, who lives in Newcastle and travels to the Headland each week, said: "We're not talking about a big great white shark here, the smaller ones weight about 20lb.

"A few lads have reported seeing the shark off the Pilot Pier, and as these are experienced anglers, they will easily recognise it as it is very distinctive as the name suggests.

"They aren't uncommon to be honest, I have spotted them myself around the Longscar Rocks.

"I think over recent years we are seeing more of them coming nearer shore for food, and that's because they feed off the mackerel shoals.

"I wouldn't be telling people not to go swimming in the sea or anything like that, because the blue shark isn't a killer or anything like that.

"I still wouldn't like to get a bite off one though!"

HAVE you spotted the shark? Contact the Mail newsdesk on (01429) 239 381 or email mail.news@northeast-press.co.uk