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A surfer has died after being stabbed moments after emerging from the water at a beach on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Emergency services were called to Ocean Parade at Coffs Harbour about 6.50am to find the man, 22, suffering stab wounds.
It is believed he was attacked during an altercation after leaving the water.
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He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but could not be saved.
Chief Inspector Detective Guy Flaherty said the man was found in a car park with "significant" stab wounds.
"We believe the person responsible may have travelled back from the car park, back towards the creek and bridge area," Flaherty said.
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Flaherty said police are searching the Coffs Beach waterfront and surrounding areas for "possible objects" used in the attack.
A witness, who has been sleeping rough in the area, said he saw the surfer drive in about 6am.
"I just saw him drive in," he told NBN.
"Then I came back to put my runners on.
"It just looked like he was just sitting up against his driver's door."
Police are searching for the offender.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More to come.
