A Plymstock man has been hurt in a shark attack in Australia.

Danny Maggs, 22, was swimming off Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands when it happened.

Alistair Raddon, 28, from Southampton, was also seriously injured.

Paramedics say the shark severed Mr Raddon’s foot while Mr Maggs suffered wounds to his leg.

They were taken to shore and treated before being airlifted to hospital, BBC News reports.

Both men had been snorkelling on a day cruise, authorities said.

"One of the male patients was attacked first and the shark is believed to have returned and come back and attacked the second patient," a Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said.

Jamie Dart, a friend of Mr Maggs, told BBC News he had been in touch with the 22-year-old’s family who told him he was recovering from surgery on his leg.

"He’s in high spirits. A bit shaken up but doing well, considering. He’s a great guy with a zest for life," he told BBC News.

Taylor Morgan, who is also friends with Mr Maggs, said had been due to fly from Thailand to meet him on Friday.

"I’ve spoken to Danny. He seems himself and I can imagine he’s very shook up," he told BBC News.

"At first I was so shocked, I was panicking. I’m just relieved that he’s OK, that he’s still with us."