Second surfer hurt in shark attack in Australia

A 44-year-old surfer has suffered serious injuries to his thigh and buttocks in Australia’s second shark attack this month.

Australia normally has about three shark attacks per year – one of them fatal - but there already have been two attacks so far this year, off the east coast.

Paramedic David Morris said the man was attacked off Newcastle, 80 miles (125km) north of Sydney.

Witnesses said a great white or bull shark is believed to have been involved.

Mr Morris said two lifeguards took the man to shore, and he was taken by ambulance to a Newcastle hospital in a serious condition.

A 28-year-old man survived a shark bite on an arm while surfing off North Avoca, about 55 miles (90km) north of Sydney, on January 3.