Man attacked by shark on popular beach

A surfer in his 20s is in hospital after being attacked by a shark at a popular beach in northern New South Wales.

Emergency services were called to North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie around 11am on Tuesday after the man was attacked in the water.

He was treated on site for leg injuries.

Paramedics then took the man to Port Macquarie Hospital, where his condition is apparently critical but stable.

In a statement shared on social media, Port Macquarie Hastings lifeguards said the surfer was the victim of a “serious shark attack.”

“Some passersby and another surfer assisted by applying makeshift tourniquets,” the statement said.

The Lifeguard Association said the beaches between North Shore and Lighthouse Beach (Tacking Point) were closed.

They would remain closed “for at least 24 hours,” lifeguards said.

NSW Ambulance confirmed that rescue teams and a rescue helicopter had been dispatched to the scene.