A 16-year-old girl was critically injured after being struck by a large piece of timber allegedly thrown at a group of young people at One Mile Beach in Forster on Saturday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 8:30 p.m. following reports of an assault.

Upon arrival, police were informed that the timber had been hurled toward the group, hitting the girl and causing her to lose consciousness. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance provided initial treatment for head injuries before the teenager was airlifted by rescue helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Authorities established a crime scene and have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward and contact Forster Police or Crime Stoppers.