A shark has shocked swimmers after being found washed up on a popular holiday beach in north Wales.

The 10ft-long Mako shark was discovered on picturesque Barmouth Beach on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park and has left locals terrified about entering the water.

It was discovered on Friday afternoon by local fishermen and word soon spread throughout the small seaside community.

Local photographer Gwion Leggett, 32, said: "When I arrived at the beach around sunset there was a huge crowd gathering around it.

"I was surprised it wasn't just a fisherman's tale.

"I was taken aback not just by how long it was but also how wide - it is a serious shark."

Gwion said the presence of a shark on the shores of the tiny seaside hamlet in Cardigan Bay had made a lot of people think of the film Jaws.

He said: "It has got that feeling of Jaws and Amity Island.

"A lot of people will be hesitant to get back in the water after this. Maybe it is fortunate it has happened at this time of year so people can have some time to get over it.

"If it had happened in summer then I think a lot less people and holidaymakers would be in the water."