An Australian boy attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour has died in hospital, his family has announced.

Nico Antic, 12, was bitten last Sunday after he and friends jumped off rocks in Vaucluse, around five miles from the city's business district.

Nico was pulled from the water by friends and taken to hospital with severe injuries to both legs.

On Saturday, his family released a statement to announce the boy had died of his injuries.

It read: "We are heartbroken to share ‌that our son, Nico, has passed away.

"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."

His death follows a series of attacks on Australia's east coast.

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Surfer 'lucky to survive' Sydney's fourth shark attack in three days
Woman killed and man injured in shark attack in New South Wales

Dozens of beaches, including in Sydney, were shut this week after four shark attacks in two days.

Heavy rainfall had left waters murky and more likely to attract the animals.

In September last year, a surfer was killed by a large shark at Sydney's Long Reef beach.

On average, Australia records 20 shark attacks a year with fewer than three of those fatal, according to data from conservation groups.