A teenage boy has been killed and a homicide investigation launched after the 16-year-old was found with a serious stab wound near a northern NSW beach.

Emergency services were called to Pacific Street at Corindi, north of Coffs Harbour, about 5.40pm on Sunday, when they found the teen with a stab wound to his thigh.

Police gave the boy first aid until paramedics arrived and took him to a hospital in Coffs Harbour, but the 16-year-old died a short time later.

Homicide detectives have launched an investigation into the death under Strike Force Cored.

Police said officers had spoken to a number of people who were near the scene of the Corindi incident.

Investigators appealed for anyone with information about the stabbing to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

– AAP