Swimming halted after suspected shark attack

Officials search miles of popular Southern California shoreline for shark after swimmer was attacked

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Newport Beach, California: Officials are keeping thousands of Memorial Day beachgoers out of the water as they search miles of popular Southern California shoreline for a shark they believe attacked a swimmer.

Tara Finnigan, city of Newport Beach spokeswoman, says the woman received large bite marks on her upper torso and shoulder and was bleeding heavily Sunday at Corona Del Mar State Beach. Her condition wasn't immediately available.

The Newport Beach Fire Department's Marine Operations Division says it suspects a shark attack, but there were no witnesses or reported shark sightings.

Chief Lifeguard Rob Williams says they're searching the water again Monday, with police in a helicopter assisting.

People were welcome on the beachfront and pier, but those entering the water were asked to return to the shore.

A man and child view a display of a great white shark on the Manhattan Beach, California, Pier, one day after a swimmer was bitten by a great white shark off the Southern California beach city.
Surfers and swimmers return to the ocean, one day after a swimmer was bitten by a great white shark off the Southern California beach city of Manhattan Beach, California.

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