WARNING: Graphic image

A shark has been found on a road in a residential area more than 20km from the ocean.

The 1.5m dead animal was spotted on a roundabout at Fairway Drive and Stone Mason Drive in Kellyville, in northwest Sydney, about 7am on Monday.

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In a Facebook post, The Hills Police Area Command described it as an “interesting” call.

“Interesting call this morning about a shark sighting — 20km inland at Fairway Drive Kellyville,” the post read.

“Not sure how this shark ended up here?”

The shark was around 1.5m in length. Credit: The Hills Shire Council

The Hills Shire Council said its crews later collected the carcass and disposed of it sustainably.

A council spokesperson said the initial report indicated the shark had been found at Samantha Riley Drive Reserve — about an eight-minute drive away — and it remains unclear why or how it was moved to the roundabout.

“We initially thought it was a joke, but it turned out to be a complete bull shark (or maybe a blue shark. We’re not 100% sure),” the spokesperson said.

“The shark was around 1.5m in length and had no known links in The Hills Shire area.

“We advise all sharks to stay away from The Hills Shire and remind them that this is Eels territory.”

The closest beaches — including Mona Vale, Narrabeen and Dee Why — are about an hour’s drive away.

The dead shark was spotted on a roundabout at Fairway Drive and Stone Mason Drive in Kellyville. Credit: The Hills Police Area Command

A shark has been found on a road in Kellyville. Credit: The Hills Police Area Command/Facebook

While Kellyville is closer to the Parramatta River — about a 30-minute drive — the suburb remains well inland with no direct waterway connection.

It is unclear how the shark came to be so far inland and if it was killed before being put on the roundabout.

The bizarre discovery comes as authorities warn of heightened shark activity across NSW waterways following heavy rain.

In a statement, the government said recent heavy rain may have created murky conditions that can increase bull shark activity in Sydney Harbour, other estuaries and along the NSW coast.

Swimmers and surfers have been urged to exercise caution.

“If your local beach is closed due to the weather, shark sightings, or poor water quality, we ask beach goers, swimmers and surfers, to not enter the water for their own safety,” said Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

“If you’re on the coastline, by the harbour or on waterways, it’s important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour and to then take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of a shark interaction.”