Updated February 24, 2018 01:21:21

Photo: The woman was swimming at Congwong Beach when she was injured about 7:00pm. (Instagram: @raowchh_97)

A woman is being treated for severe lacerations to her leg after a shark attack at La Perouse, in Sydney's south-east.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was swimming at Congwong Beach when the incident occurred shortly before 7:00pm last night.

Paramedics attended the scene and transported the woman to St George Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said authorities were still trying to determine the species of shark believed to be involved in the incident.

Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey said the community was in shock following the attack.

"From all accounts the woman was very lucky and certainly the whole community's heartfelt thoughts are with her for a full recovery," Cr Shurey said.

"I've lived in the area for 25 years and this is the first confirmed shark attack in Randwick City. We're all a little shocked and concerned."

Beaches in the area will be closed until further notice.

Council lifeguards will be stationed at the usually unpatrolled beaches on Saturday.

Topics: animal-attacks, shark, la-perouse-2036, sydney-2000

First posted February 23, 2018 21:35:30