South Africa has hired extra shark spotters to patrol beaches to ensure that football fans are not attacked during the World Cup.

Several people are attacked by sharks every year along South Africa's coastline

Patrols have been strengthened along South Africa's coastline amid fears Great Whites could target foreign tourists during the event.

A spokesman for Sharks Board, Harry Mbambo, said: "There is often a lot of shark activity around South Africa and we were concerned for the safety of foreign football fans who come here for the World Cup.

"We have taken extraordinary action to increase our shark security and to ensure that bathers are kept safe from harm."

Several people are attacked by sharks every year along South Africa's coastline.

Many of the incidents happen in or around Durban, which lies in the country's subtropical KwaZulu-Natal province.

The Sharks Board will also increase the number of its safety lectures at its centre.

Around 450,000 foreign fans are expected to visit South Africa during the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11.

Many are expected to visit the country's seaside cities including Durban, whose subtropical climate should offer warm days even though the tournament is being held in South Africa's winter.