Shark spotted near popular Tas surf beach

A white pointer shark measuring up to 3.5 metres has been spotted in waters near a popular surf beach on Tasmania's east coast.

Police issued a warning late on Saturday morning after a fisherman spotted the shark near Beer Barrel Beach, close to the township of St Helens.

"It is not known at this stage if this is the same white pointer reported earlier this week further south," police said. The marine division is patrolling the waters.