Shark attack leaves woman with serious leg injuries

A woman will undergo surgery after being bitten on leg by a shark in Australia's Port Macquarie on Saturday morning, according to New South Wales Police.

Emergency services were called to Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie following reports of a shark attack.

" emergency services were alerted just after 9:30 this morning to a female that had been bitten by a shark down here at Shelly beach," said Lifeguard supervisor James Turnham on Saturday on Shelly beach.

New South Wales Ambulance paramedics treated a woman in her 30s at scene for leg injuries before transferring her to Port Macquarie Hospital in a stable condition.

She was later airlifted to Newcastle Hospital where she will undergo surgery.

Local Police were told woman and a man were surfing when she was bitten on right calf n back of her thigh. Her companion was forced to punch attacker until it let go.

News South Wales Ambulance Andy Beverly praised first aid support she received, saying application of "a makeshift tourniquet" may have been "life saving".

Department of primary industries has confirmed that based on photos, shark responsible is a juvenile white shark.

Beaches in area will be closed for next 24 hours.