Shark attack: People scared, says Byron Bay lifeguard

A 50-year-old man has been killed in a shark attack off a beach in Byron Bay, the most easterly point on the Australian mainland.

The man sustained severe injuries on his right leg at the popular tourist destination in New South Wales. A swimmer brought him in to the beach but he was pronounced dead.

Beaches in the area have been closed for 24 hours and people are being warned to stay out of the water.

Local lifeguard Scott McCartney from Surf Life Saving was on the scene shortly after the attack.