Surfer bitten by shark north of Perth

A man has been bitten by a shark while surfing at Gumtree Bay, Leeman, about 260 kilometres north of Perth.

Emergency crews were called to the beach just after 2pm after a member of the public saw the surfer in trouble.

The man is being treated for injuries to his legs and is in a stable condition.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service was called in from Meekatharra and the man was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.

The Department of Primary Industry is yet to confirm the species of shark involved in the attack but Gumtree Bay has been closed for at least 24 hours as a precaution.