Boy in critical condition after being attacked by shark at Sydney beach

A boy is fighting for his life after being bitten by a shark near Shark Beach in Sydney.

The boy, believed to be about 12, was attacked by the apex predator at Nielsen Park in Sydney, Australia at 4.20pm on Sunday (5.20am in the UK).

It is understood the boy was jumping off rocks at one end of the beach when the shark struck.

He was reportedly with up to five other children, who tried to assist him before emergency services arrived.

Footage from a nearby beach shows him being treated by paramedics in a rescue tent at Rose bay.

NSW Ambulance service said the boy had injuries to both legs and was in a critical condition.

He was transported to Sydney Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

Authorities have closed the beach and swimmers have been advised to avoid swimming in the water.

Nielsen Park is a beach known for its netted swimming area and open water.

It is expected that the NSW Department of Primary Industries will be called in to try to identify what sort of shark was involved in the attack.

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