Shark sighted off Vic beach

Hundreds of swimmers at a popular Victorian beach have been forced from the water after a shark was spotted.

People were told to get out of the water at Lorne, south of Melbourne, about midday (AEDT) on Sunday after a shark was sighted by a rescue helicopter.

Lorne Surf Club patrol captain Nick Roffey said lifesavers were able to chase the two-metre shark out of the area using an inflatable rescue boat.

The beach was reopened by 12.40pm.