Third tiger shark killed in Whitsundays despite doubts over whether they bit tourists

Queensland government insists killing sharks in interest of public safety but officials say it is impossible to know if they injured tourists

Three tiger sharks have been killed by the Queensland government after life-threatening attacks on a woman and a girl, but officials say it is impossible to know if they caused the bites.

Hannah Papps, 12, was bitten on her right leg while swimming in Cid harbour with her father and sister on Thursday, less than 24 hours after Tasmanian Justine Barwick, 46, was bitten on her left thigh while snorkelling in the same area.