Witnesses on Orewa Beach in Auckland, New Zealand reported seeing a gang of 'intimidating' men attack the great white shark after it was caught in a net The stricken shark was allegedly kicked in the jaw

A great white shark found dead on a beach had reportedly been kicked in the face by a gang of men.

The group also took selfies with the dying animal on Orewa Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.

It is thought to have been snagged on a net and then dragged onto the beach where it died.

Footage showed showed beachgoers trying to drag the predator back into deeper water, only to discover it had already died.

Witnesses on the beach said a group of men was seen kicking the shark in the jaw and laughing as it lay injured, New Zealand news outlet Stuff  reported.

The shark died after becoming beached

Beachgoers tried to intervene but the men became 'exceptionally intimidating', according to the publication.

A witness said: "Police and (the Department of Conservation) arrived on the scene as other beachgoers attempted to pull the shark back into the water.

"The group of men gave false details to police and joined the larger g roup."

Beachgoers tried to drag the shark back into the water but it was already dead 

Police guarded the animal after it was confirmed to have been killed

A police spokesman confirmed they had received reports the animal had been dragged onto the beach and repeatedly kicked.

Lifeguards then tried to drag the shark back into deeper water, but noticed the animal wasn't moving.

Shortly afterwards the shark was washed back onto the shore and confirmed dead.

It's believed a gill net was used to catch the great white shark.

Great white sharks are protected in New Zealand waters under legislation which carries a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and six months imprisonment for those who kill the big fish