Shark spotted at popular Tasmania beach

A white pointer shark has been spotted in waters near a popular surf beach on Tasmania's east coast.

Reports claim the shark is approximately 3.5 metres long.

Police issued a warning this morning after a fisherman spotted the shark near Beer Barrel Beach, close to the town of St Helens.

A shark was spotted nearby earlier this week, but police say they are unsure if this is the same one.

"It is not known at this stage if this is the same white pointer reported earlier this week further south," a Tasmanian police spokesman said.

The waters are being patrolled by the police marine division.