Promising young surfer bitten by shark at Avoca Beach

Promising junior surfer Kirra-belle Olsson, 13, was taken to hospital after being bitten while surfing at the popular Central Coast beach early this morning.

Shark attack surfer shares pics of bite

THE 13-year-old girl attacked by a shark at Avoca Beach this morning has been identified as promising junior surfer Kirra-belle Olsson.

Her father Jamie Olsson his posted pictures of her injuries on Facebook from Gosford Hospital this morning showing a large gash to her calf and a puncture wound to her foot.

The young surfer is linked to Rip Curl and has multiple junior titles.

The dramatic moments after Kirra-belle was bitten. Picture: Seven

‘No swimmimg’ signs erected by lifeguards on Avoca Beach this morning after a 13-year-old girl recieved minor injuries when attacked by a shark whilst swimming off the beach

The scene this morning at after the shark attack.

Kirra-belle Olsson after she was attacked by a shark at Avoca Beach. Picture: Facebook

Kirra-Belle Olsson. Picture: Facebook

It is understood she will undergo surgery this afternoon after speaking to the media camped outside hospital.

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The girl was surfing about 10-15m from the shore when she was bitten on the left ankle.

Surf Life Saving duty officer Matt Slattery said Kirra-belle was treated at the scene by friends or bystanders and an ambulance was called but later stood down as she was conveyed to hospital in a private vehicle.

Lifeguards have closed Avoca Beach after a woman was bitten by a shark.

Injury: Avoca Beach before the attack

Gosford City Council life guards have made an announcement over speakers that, on advice from police, the beach will be closed for the next 24 hours.

Kirra-belle Olsson’s dad posted to Facebook after she was attacked by a shark at Avoca Beach. Picture: Facebook

“Life Guards will patrol the area and the Lifesaver 1 helicopter will be brought up from Sydney,” Mr Slattery said.

He said there had been a lot of marine activity at Avoca following days of big swell.

“It’s just stirred everything up,” he said.

Surfers have reported seeing a “whale-like” fin and described the water as smelling “baity” after a 13-year-old girl was bitten on the ankle by a 1m shark at Avoca Beach this morning.

Local surfer Chris Moser said he paddled out about 6.30am not long after the girl was bitten and saw a fin, which he believed was too big to be that of the shark responsible for the attack.