"SHARK!" was the unlikely exclamation on the lips of residents strolling on the shores of Highams Park boating lake when Jaws and his pals paid a visit.

The dorsal fins of the most feared predator roaming the seas were spotted cutting the waters near the boathouse of the artificial lake in Woodford Green, north-east London, last week.

One passer-by took these snaps to confirm the mysterious and slightly chilling sighting.

A caller who was party to the rare sight said: "I was scared stiff at first. I know I was safe on land but the shivers still went up my spine.

"If they had got this far inland who's to say what they could do?"

But as the voice of reason set in he said: "I suspect it was a prank by an artist or something, but if it turns out to be real, perhaps the authorities should get involved. Peckish sharks could well be dangerous for anyone having a dip in the summer months."

Anyone who knows more about the sharks in the lake is urged to call the Woodford Guardian on 8498 3435.