Shark sighting prompts closure at Leighton Beach

A drawcard beach in Perth’s south has been closed after a shark sighting was reported just metres from the frequented North Fremantle coastline.

Sunseekers were stopped from swimming at Leighton Beach from about 1pm Wednesday after authorities received a report of a 2.5m shark in the waters.

The unidentified type of shark was reported to be just 6m from shore, according to SharkSmart.

The warning was issued on what was expected to be a busy day for sunbathers, with temperatures set to peak at 31 degrees and skies to remain sunny throughout the day.

Leighton Beach is only metres from the site of the horror fatal attack that claimed the life of father-of-two Paul Millachip in 2021.

The 57-year-old is believed to have been taken by a 4.5m shark about 50m offshore at Port Beach.

While Mr Millachip was not found immediately by authorities, witnesses - including four teenagers in a dinghy who raised the alarm - later told of seeing the man struggling in the water before being “dragged under” by the suspected shark.

His wife paid tribute to her late husband in 2021 and said he died doing what he loved and was a “lovely man” and “great father”.

His attack was the most recent ocean fatality off Perth beaches, while 16-year-old Stella Berry was fatally mauled by a bull shark in the river at North Fremantle in February last year.

The City of Fremantle today told swimmers at Leighton Beach to “await further notice” from authorities.

More information can be found by checking the SharkSmart WA app or at sharksmart.com.au.