Panic in Spain's Costa Del Sol after 'shark spotted lurking among swimmers'

A possible shark sighting at a Costa del Sol beach resort led to panic among holidaymakers.

Swimmers left the water following the reported sighting on Wednesday.

Local media reported that the sighting on Playamar beach, in Torremolinos could be a blue shark that had previously been spotted swimming close to the shore.

But others disputed this and said the sighting had been nothing more than a black bag.

Shark specialist Francisco Pinto said a male blue shark measuring 1.7 metres had been spotted along the Malaga coast for several days in pursuit of sardines.

It was first spotted for the first time clearly on the Malapesquera beach, in Benalmadena, on June 13.

After becoming stranded, sunbathers and a lifeguard managed to help the shark return to the sea by placing it in a hypnotic state using a method called 'tonic immobility.'

This state of immobility can be replicated by humans by placing the animal on its back.

The animal reportedly became stranded once more on a beach in El Palo, the following Sunday.

If correct, this sighting would be the third in ten days.

It comes as more whales and sharks have reportedly been spotted swimming closer to the beach due to the lack of tourist activity.