Shark attack mother: 'I just wanted to save him'

The mother of three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning said it was "absolutely terrifying" watching her son being knocked off his board by an attacking shark.

Australian Mick Fanning was taking part in the World Surf League, external event in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, when the shark approached him from behind.

His mother, Elizabeth Osborne, had been watching the competition as it was being shown live on television. She said: "I just wanted to save him...but there was nothing I could do".