The severed leg of an Australian surfer who was attacked by a shark has washed up – with doctors hoping they can reattach the limb.

Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, on Tuesday when he was attacked by a shark. He was able to fight it off but his right leg was severed.

He managed to catch a wave into shore, where a member of the public used his dog’s lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding, a neighbour of his family said.

His leg washed up shortly after and was put on ice by locals, according to local reports.

Mr McKenzie was initially taken to a local hospital before both he and the leg were airlifted to a major trauma centre around 124 miles away.

Doctors are now rushing to assess whether they can reattach the leg. Mr McKenzie remains in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed a 3m-long great white shark bit Mr McKenzie.

A GoFundMe for Mr McKenzie has raised more than AU$100,000 (£50,000)

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

The surfer had recently returned to the sport after suffering a significant neck injury, according to a post on his Instagram page.