Boy fighting for his life after being attacked by large shark on popular beach

The boy is in a critical condition.

A number of the boys friends were forced to watch on in horror as the attack took place.

The incident happened at around 4.30pm local time at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, Sydney.

Police rushed to the scene with 'multiple resources' including intensive care paramedics and aeromedical teams with a helicopter.

He was rushed to Rose Bay for urgent treatment while other officers remained at the beach to comfort those traumatised by what they had seen.

Cops said that “Water Police officers attached two medical tourniquets” before giving the boy first aid en route to Rose Bay.

He sustained 'serious leg injuries' in the attack and was given immediate aid at hospital.

New South Wales police said that his 'injuries are consistent with what is believed to have been a large shark'.

An ambulance spokesperson added: "The patient, a teenage boy, with critical injuries to both of his legs, was transported to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, in a critical condition.”

The beach has since been closed off and swimmers have been urged to avoid the area.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said: "This is a tragic shark attack on a young boy having a swim on a Sunday afternoon in a harbour beach in Sydney’s east.

“Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family.

“I understand there were also a lot of young people on the beach at the time of the attack. Our thoughts are also with them.”