Sawtell stabbing at beach party, teen rushed to Coffs Harbour hospital

Sawtell residents are in shock after a teenager was seriously injured after allegedly being stabbed at a wild beach party that attracted up to 300 people.

Sawtell resident Sam Huybregts says he can’t believe a wild beach party has descended into serious violence in his “sleepy” town.

Mr Huybregts, 35, was among people picking up debris on Monday morning left behind by up to 300 people who gathered at Sawtell beach on Sunday evening.

A teenager was rushed to hospital in a serious condition with stab wounds to his back, abdomen and arm after allegedly being stabbed at the party.

Blood stains were evident on the sand on Monday morning.

“It’s crazy,” Mr Huybregts said.

“You wouldn’t think it would happen here in a sleepy town like this.”

NSW Ambulance duty operations manager for the region Inspector Melanie Wells said the teenager was stabbed.

There were reports a broken bottle was involved but a graphic video circulating on social media shows a knife.

Remnants of a fire were evident the day after a wild beach party at Sawtell. Picture: Janine Watson

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh has urged people to seek counselling if they have seen the disturbing video.

Inspt Wells said there were hundreds of people at the party on Murrays Beach at the northern end of Sawtell near the rocks.

Ambulance crews were called just after 8pm on Sunday.

“Four crews gained access on foot and extricated the patient in the back of a police vehicle,” Insp Wells said.

A spokesperson from NSW Police confirmed later on Sunday evening that the teenager’s condition had deteriorated and that his injuries were life threatening.

Officers from Coffs-Clarence Police District established a crime scene and started an investigation.

As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information about the incident, or who may have mobile phone footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or go to nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.