An urgent investigation is underway after a surfer was allegedly fatally stabbed only moments after leaving the surf at a popular beach on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Emergency services were called to Park Beach Reserve at Coffs Harbour shortly before 7am on Thursday after reports a man was found with multiple stab wounds.
The man is understood to have been rushed to hospital but was later confirmed dead, with police now undertaking an homicide investigation into the alleged incident.
NSW Police Chief Inspector Detective Guy Flaherty told the ABC officers believed the 22-year-old had only recently exited the surf and was wearing black swimsuit.
“The 22-year-old male was found with significant stab wounds. We are conducting an evidence search in relation to possible objects used in the offence,” he said.
Insp Flaherty told the ABC the search would include “the car park and the waterfront around Coffs Harbour beach” and was expected to continue for some time.
He later told Nine News police investigators believed the alleged attacker “may have travelled back from the car park, back towards the creek and bridge area”.
In a statement to Facebook, the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club said its restaurant and bar, adjacent to the carpark, was closed “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
More to come.