Australian police search for missing child – presumably attacked by crocodile

Reuters
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Police in Australia’s Northern Territory said on Wednesday that a missing 12-year-old child had reportedly been attacked by a crocodile and a search and rescue operation was underway.

The child was reported missing on Tuesday evening after swimming in a creek in Palumpa, also known by its Aboriginal name Nganmarriyanga, a remote town of about 350 people seven hours’ drive from the territory’s capital, Darwin.

“Local officials are on site and our thoughts are with the family and community,” Sergeant Erica Gibson said in a statement.

“Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek using boats and we thank the community for their continued support.”

There are more than 100,000 crocodiles in the vast Northern Territory, and they can grow up to six metres long. However, fatal attacks are relatively rare.