Urgent warning and beaches closed after a teenage surfer was attacked by a shark when a drone was deployed to search for an animal

SCHWIMMER has been warned to avoid two beaches after a teenager was bitten by a shark.

The 14-year-old was surfing earlier today when he was attacked by the beast on Australia’s Central Coast – prompting authorities to launch a drone search for the predator.

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He suffered a bite on his forearm and was treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital where he was stitched up.

Avoca and North Avoca beaches have now been closed as authorities hunt for the shark.

Biologists from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries believe it was likely a great white shark that mauled the boy.

The agency set up drum lines — unmanned waterfalls — on both beaches to track the shark, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

No line has yet caught sharks, and drones have yet to spot the predator.

The Central Coast Council tweeted: “Avoca and North Avoca beaches are currently closed following a shark bite.

“Our thoughts are with the young surfer.

“Please avoid both beaches at this time until the incident can be further investigated.”

Shark nets are due to be installed in the bay this week.

It comes after a teenager was mauled by a 16ft great white shark as it ripped chunks from his legs before his desperate mate carried him a mile to safety.

Luke Pascoe, 17, was spearfishing off Goode Beach, near Albany, Western Australia, when he was caught between the clutches of death.

He had harpooned a fish while submerged in 10m of water and was making his way to the surface triumphant when disaster struck.

The bloody aftermath of its killing caught the attention of a large white lurking in the depths before quickly making its way to Luke.

Hoping to snag the teenager’s catch, the underwater creature tried to eat the fish – but ended up biting his leg instead.

As a terrified Luke bled into the water from his multiple wounds, his quick-thinking friend leaped into action.

Luke said he “owes his life” to his pal Conner Shirley, who made a makeshift tourniquet out of his dive belt to stop the bleeding.