Hundreds of people gathered on the beach to pay tribute to a 13-year-old surfing champion killed in a shark attack.

Elio Canestri, 13, was attacked while surfing with seven others off the French holiday island of Reunion.

The youngster was 50ft out into the sea when the large fish struck from below, forcing him off his board. Pictures showed hundreds of people sat on the beach paying silent tribute to the youngster. Professional surfer Jeremy Flores, who grew up on the island, led tributes to the teenager.The French surfer, who won the Billabong Pipeline Masters in 2010, posted on his Instagram: ANOTHER shark attack in Reunion island this morning. 13 years old Elio was one of our best up and coming surfer. Words can't describe how sad and angry i am. So young !!! Heart breaking News . RIP :(  Witnesses described the Elio being flung around the water as the shark bit into his stomach, just after 9am.

The shark tore off the child's arms, legs and part of his stomach, before dragging him out to sea.