A woman diver killed in a shark attack in Australia has been named as former University of Chester lecturer Doreen Collyer.

The former Neston resident was killed at a popular spot called Mindarie, about 21 miles north of Perth.

It was the second fatal shark attack in the area in less than a week, after a surfer who had his leg bitten off died on Friday.

Grandmother Ms Collyer, 60, was a lecturer at Edith Cowan University (ECU).

Related: Tributes paid to Chester shark attack victim Doreen Collyer

ABC News reported Ms Collyer was director of postgraduate studies and a lecturer at the university's School of Nursing and Midwifery.

She worked as a lecturer at the University of Chester before moving to Australia from Neston around five years ago.

Ms Collyer was diving underwater with her 43-year-old dive partner yesterday (June 5) when the beast struck.

Commotion in the water

Cops said he tried to pull her from the water, but she died before they could make it to the shore.

He reportedly 'felt something go past him' in the water seconds before the attack.

Western Australia Police Inspector Danny Mulligan said: "He didn't see the shark at that stage, but he felt it better to surface."

"When he surfaced he saw a commotion in the water and then another boat arrived to pull him out of the water, and then it was noticed that the lady had suffered some severe and fatal injuries."

Mindarie, where Chester grandmother Doreen Collyer was killed in a shark attack, is about 21 miles north of Perth
Mindarie is about 21 miles north of Perth

The three fisherman who were in the boat reported seeing a large shark while trying to help the pair.

They added: "The other boat that was in the water was five and a half metres (18ft) long, and they say that the shark was longer than their boat."

Beaches closed

The cause of death remains unconfirmed, but the woman's injuries were consistent with a shark attack

Meanwhile the public have been warned to 'stay out of the water' until further notice.

The Australian government website SharkSmart announced in the early hours of this morning: "There has been a determination that serious threat to public safety exists."

Beaches have been closed and authorities are deploying shark capture gear.

It is not known for definite if the same shark is responsible for both deaths, but anyone who spots a shark is being urged to call the police.

Did you know Doreen Collyer? You can leave your tributes to her in the comments section below.