Boy, 12, dies after shark attack in Sydney Harbour

The young boy was attacked by what authorities suspected was a bull shark.

His parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement: "We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico has passed away."

The incident was one of four reported shark attacks along the New South Wales coast over just two days.

His family added: "Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.

"He was always full of life, and that's how we'll remember him."

The 12-year-old boy's friends were praised for their bravery after jumping into the water to help him following the attack.

Nico suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Sydney Children's Hospital in a critical condition, where he was placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery.

An online fundraiser set up for Nico's family has raised over £121,000.

A series of shark attacks has hit Australia's east coast in the past week, three occurring in Sydney.

On January 19, a surfer on Sydney's northern beaches escaped a shark in the area without physical injury.

Just hours later, a 27-year-old man suffered "life-changing" injuries in a shark attack at a nearby beach.

The following day, a man was rescued from the water on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales after surviving a shark bite.

The 39-year-old sustained a chest wound and was taken to hospital.

The attacks occurred after several days of heavy rain, which experts describe as a "perfect storm" of conditions ideal for bull sharks that favour murky water.

They also suggested that rain can wash nutrients into the water, potentially attracting sharks closer to the shore.

Beaches throughout Sydney were temporarily closed to safeguard the public until weather conditions improved.

However, many have since reopened for the Australia Day long weekend holiday.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter