A man has died near Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches after being bitten by what is believed to be a large shark, in what police have called “a great tragedy”.

Shortly after 10am on Saturday, New South Wales emergency services were called to Long Reef beach following reports a man had suffered critical injuries.

Witnesses said the 57-year-old victim was brought ashore by two fellow surfers and that distraught family members rushed to the beach. He died at the scene, according to a statement from NSW police.

Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen were closed pending further advice.

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The man was an experienced surfer from Dee Why who had gone out with friends, NSW police Supt John Duncan told media on Saturday afternoon. He had only been in the water for

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