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STUNNED fishermen have captured a 12ft shark on camera stalking British waters in shocking new video.

Crab fisherman John Davies, 52, shot the footage while collecting his catch a mile-and-a-half off the Norfolk coast.

 A shark was spotted off the coast of Norfolk
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A shark was spotted off the coast of NorfolkCredit: CREDIT: Pen News/John Davies

Mr Davies, from Cromer, said: "We were collecting crab pots, and we looked up and saw these seagulls hovering over something in the water.

"Then we saw a fin. It wasn't the easiest day to spot something like that because normally the water would be much calmer, but there was a little bit of wind and breeze."

He continued: "The last one of these I heard of was in the 1990s. I've only even ever seen one twice before and I've been to sea now 40 years.

"I have heard of one or two others turning up from time to time. They're quite a rare occurrence along this stretch of coast."

 The creature was spotted by crab fisherman John Davies
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The creature was spotted by crab fisherman John DaviesCredit: CREDIT: Pen News/John Davies
 The beast is believed to be a basking shark, is a known seasonal visitor to Britain's west coast but seldom seen in its eastern waters
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The beast is believed to be a basking shark, is a known seasonal visitor to Britain's west coast but seldom seen in its eastern watersCredit: CREDIT: Pen News/John Davies

The creature, believed to be a basking shark, is a known seasonal visitor to Britain's west coast but seldom seen in its eastern waters.

"It was about 12ft long we estimated," Mr Davies said. "They are the second biggest fish in the world - the only one bigger is the whale shark.

"I was a bit surprised and just interested as much as anything else, to have a close up look at it and be able to get something on video."

 Brits normally spot basking sharks off the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, Malin Head and Cornwall, according to the Shark Trust
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Brits normally spot basking sharks off the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, Malin Head and Cornwall, according to the Shark TrustCredit: CREDIT: Pen News/John Davies

Brits normally spot basking sharks off the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, Malin Head and Cornwall, according to the Shark Trust.

Despite their impressive size, basking sharks are harmless to humans and typically feed on plankton, very small fish and invertebrates.



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