THE Headington Shark is still prompting fierce debate 25 years after it appeared on the Oxford skyline.

Now an event called The Great Shark Debate will be held at Waterstone’s in Oxford to mark the publication of The Hunting of the Shark, the story of the unusual icon by its originator, BBC presenter Bill Heine.

Mr Heine will take part in the free debate at the store in Broad Street next Thursday at 7pm, together with other panellists including Richard Dick, former High Sheriff of Oxford.

The shark, created by sculptor John Buckley, was unveiled at Mr Heine’s house in New High Street on August 9, 1986.

The sculpture called Untitled 1986 was erected on the 41st anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki during the Second World War.

Waterstone’s events manager Charlie Hayes said: “People on the panel will discuss whether the shark is a provocative art statement or a vulgar eyesore.

“Everyone is welcome. It’s a bit different from our usual book signings and it’s bound to be a lively evening.”