Beach goers claim they were left too afraid to step foot in Lincolnshire's waters after a shark was spotted on the shore.

People at the seaside had a fright when he spotted the pointy finned sea creature on the Skegness coast.

One of the, Stephen Gilson, posted a photo of the shark online saying he definitely wouldn't be going in the water any more.

Marilyn Fenton wrote on Facebook: "We saw some I'm not even having a paddle in the sea now."

But several people quickly came to the defence of the toothy tourist and said he meant no harm.

This type of shark is called a common smooth-hound, also known as a smooth dogfish, smut, or gummy smooth hound.

It's a species of small shark and will grow no larger than 4ft in length.

When sold as food it may be known as rock salmon, flake or sweet William.

Rather than the typical sharp shark-like teeth, the smooth-hound has blunt but powerful crushing plates which are adapted perfectly to consume the crustaceans which make up the majority of its diet.


Smooth-hounds are a vulnerable species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

They are usually more common around the south and west of England but their range is said to be increasing.

Plenty of Skegness residents said they had seen them in Lincolnshire's waters during the summer until September time.

One man said there were hundreds off the coast at the moment.

Will you still be taking a dip in the sea in Skegness this summer?

Let us know in the comments below.