The shark behind a fatal attack in Perth’s swan river was likely a bull shark, according to Fisheries Minister Don Punch.

On Sunday, Mr Punch said it was too early to confirm the species of shark which killed 16-year-old local high school student Stella Berry but said bull sharks were known to be present in the Swan River.

“We do know that bull sharks, particularly, do enter estuaries and freshwater river systems, so it is likely that may be the case,” he told the ABC.

Mr Punch said it was the first fatal attack on the Swan River in 100 years.

Stella, a student at Shenton College and the daughter of two high school teachers, was playing with friends in the river in North Fremantle, near the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, on Saturday afternoon when she was attacked.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 3pm, however, Stella died at the scene.

Friends of the teenager have paid tribute after her tragic death by gathering at the water edge on Sunday, the ABC reports.

Michael Morgan, principal at Shenton College, said psychologists, student support officers, chaplains, nurses and staff would be available to students.

“I have personally offered, on behalf of the College, our condolences and support to Stella’s family during this very sad time,” Mr Morgan said.

The West Australian newspaper reported on Sunday that Ms Berry’s parents were teachers at Scotch College and Methodist Ladies’ College respectively, while she has a younger sister who also attends Shenton.

Fiona Johnston, principal at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, where Stella was formerly a student, said support would be available for students “in the months ahead” if needed.

“Stella was a popular member of the St Hilda’s community and loved by all,” Ms Johnston said.

“We have offered our condolences to her family during this very difficult time and will support them in whatever way we can,” she said.

It is understood Stella and her friends has been swinging into the water on a rope when the shark appeared.

Horror screams were heard from the water before anyone noticed the shark.

Witnesses claimed a heroic bystander jumped into the water to save Stella and bring her back to shore.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but she could not be saved.

Fremantle District Acting Inspector Paul Robinson said on Saturday the victim’s friends were with her when the “extremely traumatic” attack occurred.

“Unfortunately we have no idea what shark it is,” Inspector Robinson said.

“From what I’ve been advised her family weren’t there when the attack took place but her friends were.” he said.

“As you can imagine, this is an extremely traumatic incident for anyone to witness.”

“It’s unusual for a shark to be that far down river … at this point in time an alert has been put out, a shark warning just to let people know the event has taken place.”

The species of the shark is yet to be confirmed, however bull sharks are known to exist in the Swan River.

The beaches were closed on Sunday as fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted water and land patrols.

Shark attacks are incredibly rare in the Swan River, which is connected to the Indian Ocean through Fremantle Harbour, although not unheard of.

In January 2021, Cameron Wrathall survived despite being mauled by a bull shark while swimming at nearby Blackwall Reach.

The only other recorded fatal shark attack in the Swan River occurred almost exactly a century ago, when a young schoolboy was attacked while swimming in neighbouring Peppermint Grove on January 27, 1923.

The location where the girl was attacked is about 2.5kms from the mouth of the river.

Shark sightings are common in WA, but they have soared significantly this summer, with as many as 90 spotted in the course of one week in January.

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