It's understood the punctured wounds inflicted on the boy were caused by a wobbegong shark (stock picture)
It's understood the punctured wounds inflicted on the boy were caused by a wobbegong shark (stock picture)
A 12-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital after being bitten on the foot by a shark at a popular surfing spot.

The young boy was swimming at First Sun Beach, just north of Byron Bay in New South Wales when he suffered minor injuries in the attack shortly after midday on Wednesday.

The punctured wounds were caused by a wobbegong shark and the boy is expected to make a speedy recovery, Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Wobbegong sharks - known for its distinctive white rings in their patterning - can become aggressive if disturbed, and are able to reach back and bite a hand holding their tail.

Emergency services were not required at the scene but the boy's parents have taken their son to a local hospital as a precaution.

Department of Primary Industries shark biologist has confirmed the species responsible for the minor bite to the youngster was a Woobegong shark.

It comes just one day after Lighthouse Beach in Ballina was forced to close off to the public after two large sharks were spotted lurking near surfers.