A man has died after being attacked by a shark in a "freak incident" likely to close beaches for days as authorities investigate.

Subscribe today for the news that matters

Login or signup to continue reading LIMITED TIME OFFER All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue

The 57-year-old was mauled by a large shark at Long Reef Beach on Sydney's northern peninsula on Saturday morning.

He was retrieved from the surf and brought to shore but died at the scene.

Police closed the beach and are liaising with wildlife experts to determine the species involved.

Superintendent John Duncan told reporters the attack happened about 100m offshore.

"It's a terrible, ter

See Full Page