Beach still closed nearly 24 hours after shark sighting

A popular Sydney beach has been closed since last night after a shark was spotted within the nets.

Videos posted to social media showed the shark swimming at Brighton Le Sands close to shore yesterday afternoon.

Police responded to calls of the shark at 6.30pm and evacuated those still swimming.

Police tape is still up at the swimming area, to prevent people from taking a dip.

It is expected to re-open later this afternoon.

“I saw lot of people in shock [last night] and just … mildly amused at the situation,” witness Nick Webb told 9News.

Divers say they discovered a small hole in the net but questions are being asked as to how the two-and-a-half metre shark could have possibly got through.

“It’s a puzzling one because the only hole we found was such a small hole,” diver Carl Fallon from Sea Dragon Protective Enclosures said.

A local mother who saw the shark said: "There was some commotion with a bloke walking up and down the beach shouting 'shark, shark.'"

Another said: "There were a load of kids who saw it. It's a bit unbelievable, but there you go, a shark in the cordoned area."

Others took to Facebook forums including Rockdale Residents Unite to voice their concerns.

“Is this happening now??? Scary!” wrote one.

“Probably a bull shark, it’s their feeding time at dusk,” speculated another. 

The local council and DPI are investigating how the shark got into the netted area.

“Based on what I have been advised we’re going to do a full forensic investigation,” Councillor Bill Saravinovksi said.