A chilling shark attack video leaked online from a desktop computer at a police station has been confirmed to be that of a surfer who lost his right leg.
The eight-second video that has been circulating online in recent days appears to have been filmed using a handheld device from inside a police station and shows the terrifying attack playing out on a computer screen.
Kai McKenzie, 23, lost his right leg after being attacked by what is believed to be a three-metre great white shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on the central north coast of New South Wales on July 23.
He was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle with severe blood loss before undergoing a marathon operation the following day.
The footage is believed to have been filmed by a bather and appeared to show the harrowing moment McKenzie was attacked.
A figure in a wetsuit can be seen frantically attempting to paddle away from a large dorsal fin and tail in the ocean on his surfboard, before being dragged underwater.
Authorities believe the leak occurred via a police station and have vowed to take “appropriate action.”
A New South Wales Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday night that the investigation into how the video was leaked and posted online has not changed, referring to an earlier statement released last week.
The video was filmed from a screen that appears to be inside a New South Wales police facility and shows a surfer paddling out before a huge dorsal fin and tail appear in the water and drag them under.
Kai McKenzie, 23 (pictured), was attacked by what is believed to be a 3-metre great white shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on July 23.
“NSW Police are aware of a video circulating online and have launched an investigation into how the video came to be posted,” the spokesman said.
‘The NSW Police Force does not tolerate this type of conduct and will take appropriate action pending the outcome of the investigation.’
The police spokesman confirmed that the investigation is being carried out by the Professional Standards Command (PSC).
The New South Wales Police website state The Professional Standards Command ‘is a specialist command reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Investigations and Counter-Terrorism’.
‘The PSC has a responsibility to set standards of performance, conduct and integrity within the NSW Police.’
After the brutal attack, Mr McKenzie’s severed leg washed up on shore and he had to undergo marathon surgery.
Mr McKenzie’s surfboard is pictured after the horrific shark attack at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on July 23.
Paramedic Kirrin Mowbray told reporters McKenzie fought off the shark before catching a wave that carried him back to shore.
Some viewers suggested the shark in the leaked footage was larger than the three-metre size estimated by experts.
In the leaked video, a sign reading “respect, pride, trust” is displayed on the computer screen alongside blue and white squares, which is identical to the logo of the New South Wales Police.
The same slogan and logo appear on NSW Police merchandise, including lanyards and drinkware.
A used lunch container could be seen in front of the desktop screen where the video was playing.
Mr McKenzie continues to recover in hospital but has since given several updates on social media following a stint in intensive care.
“Man oh fuck being here right now just so I can hug my beautiful Eve and my family means the world to me. I had a crazy shark attack a few days ago (biggest shark I’ve ever seen) which was a crazy sight and scared the shit out of me,” he wrote.
On Monday, he shared a joyful photo of himself surrounded by his loved ones in the hospital.
“Do you see something missing?” McKenzie wrote.
“It’s great to have so many wonderful people supporting me. I really appreciate it.”
TO GoFundMe Created for Mr McKenzie, more than $170,000 has so far been raised for the young surfer.