Shark horror as surfer is killed in front of friend

A SURFER was killed in a shark attack after being knocked from his board off the coast of California.

A friend watched in horror as Francisco Javier Solorio Jr, 39, was bitten on his upper torso.

The pal pulled Francisco from the water and gave him first air - but he could not be saved.

Francisco and his friend were on their boards at Surf Beach near Lompoc, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department said.

Tragic ... cops tell of surfer's death

Sheriff's Sgt, Mark A. Williams, said Francisco, "had a friend who he was surfing with who saw the shark bite or hit the man”.

He added: “His friend ended up swimming over and pulling him from the water where he received first aid.”

The friend started first aid while another surfer called for help, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The beach is located at the Vandenburg Air Force Base but the public is allowed to use it.

Tragic ... beach where attack happened

All surrounding beaches are set to be closed for at least 72 hours after yesterday's attack.

The type of shark involved is still being investigated, although last month warning signs were put up after large great white shark was spotted nearby.

Lt. Erik Raney, said: “We’ve had shark sightings up and down the Santa Barbara coastline pretty frequently recently."

An average of 65 shark attacks occur each year around the world that typically result in two or three deaths, according to the Pew Environment Group.

Surf Beach, is about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.