A shark attack on two British tourists has prompted calls for a mass slaughter of the predators, which many fear are proliferating off Australia’s most popular beaches.

The attack on Alistair Raddon, 28, from Southampton, and Danny Maggs, 22, from Plymouth, during a snorkelling trip off the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland has renewed demands for stronger shark protection measures. Mr Raddon had his right foot amputated while Mr Maggs suffered severe bites to his right calf. Both remain in hospital.

Bob Katter, an MP whose Kennedy constituency covers a vast area of northern Queensland, told The Times yesterday that action needed to be taken. “We have a right to live, we have a right to defend ourselves and more importantly our children, our loved