A monster of the deep was caught off the North-East coast and fishermen are convinced it is a deadly mako shark.

There has been fierce debate on whether a mako has been responsible for a spate of 45 porpoise deaths along the coastline.

Many of the marine mammals have been discovered with chunks missing from them - and a mako is the prime suspect for the killings.

Makos are mackerel sharks that are capable of swimming at up to 60mph and can also leap out of the water.

They eat tuna, herring, mackerel, swordfish and porpoise - and there are documented attacks on people.

Short-finned makos average 5ft to 8ft in length - but can reach 12ft.

While many experts are convinced a big shark is lurking in the depths, others believe it would be too far out of its natural territory.

But garage owner Doug Sharp, 48, believes he has uncovered vital evidence.

Last August, he photographed this shark that was caught in fishing nets off Blyth, Northumberland.

He believes the 10ft monster is a mako, a theory backed up by fishermen who say it was chasing a porpoise.

Mr Sharp said: "There was a boat fishing for salmon off Blyth when a porpoise was chased into its nets by a big shark.

"Both died in the nets. The porpoise had a big lump taken out of it by the shark.

"It still had the flesh in its mouth when they brought it to the harbour, where I took my picture.

"When I heard people saying there couldn't be a shark off the North-East coast, I knew differently.

"I have shown my pictures to many people and most agree it is a short-finned mako.

"The fact that it was chasing the porpoise seems to back that up.

"I don't know how dangerous they are to people, but looking at this thing, I wouldn't like to meet one in the sea."