Urgent warning and beaches closed after teenage surfer attacked by shark as drone is deployed to search for beast

SWIMMERS have been issued an urgent warning to avoid two beaches after a teenager was bitten by a shark. The 14-year-old was surfing early this morning when he was attacked by the beast on Australia‘s Central Coast – prompting authorities to launch a drone search for the predator. AlamyAvoca and North Avoca have been closed following the attack[/caption] AlamyAuthorities are using a drone to track the shark. Stock pic[/caption] He suffered a bite on his forearm and was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he was given stitches. Avoca and North Avoca beaches have now been closed as authorities hunt for the shark. Biologists from New South Wale’s Department of Primary Industries believe it was likely a white shark that mauled the lad. The authority set up drum lines –  unmanned aquatic traps – at both beaches in an attempt to track the shark, reports Sydney Morning Herald. More on sharks SHARK BAIT Shocking moment fishermen capture huge BULL SHARK & parade carcass around town BLOOD IN WATER Horror pics show aftermath of shark attack on dolphin nearly ripped in HALF Neither line have so far captured any sharks, and drones have failed to spot the predator. Central Coast council tweeted: “Avoca and North Avoca beaches are currently closed following a shark bite incident. “Our thoughts are with the young surfer involved. “Please avoid both beaches at this time until the incident can be investigated further.” Most read in The Sun CIAO BELLA Amanda Holden strips to bikini in the back of a truck on holiday in Sicily EYES ON THE ROAD Brits to face these FOUR new UK driving laws from September GET ON BOARD Annoying mistake everyone makes boarding planes - enraging passengers & crew DEADLY SMASH Two dead and four others including kids rushed to hospital after horror crash PAWS FOR THOUGHT I'm a vet and these are the five neediest dog breeds - do you have one? HOUSE ABOUT IT Skint dad living on £66 a week breaks down as he's offered dream job Shark nets are set to be installed at the bay this week. It comes after a teen was mauled by a 16ft great white shark as it ripped chunks out of his legs before his desperate pal carried him one mile to safety. Luke Pascoe, 17, had been spearfishing off Goode Beach near Albany, Western Australia, when found himself stuck between the jaws of death. He had harpooned a fish while diving in 10m deep water and was triumphantly heading to the surface when disaster struck. The bloody aftermath of his kill attracted the attention of a great white that had been lurking in the depths, before it quickly made a beeline for Luke. In the hopes of swiping the teen’s catch, the underwater beast tried to chomp down on the fish – but ended up biting his leg instead. Read More on The Sun COUGH IT UP I'm a baby first aid expert - the difference between choking & gagging CUPPA LOAD OF THIS What's on the Costa Coffee autumn menu? As a terrified Luke bled out into the water from his several wounds, his quick-thinking friend sprang into action. Luke said he “owes his life” to his pal Conner Shirley, who created a makeshift tourniquet from his dive belt to stem the bleeding.