Authorities in a remote Australian town are searching for a 12-year-old girl who went missing after a crocodile attack.
Police in Palumpa said the girl was swimming in a creek at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday when the crocodile attacked and snatched her.
“Around 5:30 p.m. last night, police received reports of a missing 12-year-old child who was last seen swimming at Mango Creek,” officials said.
“Initial reports stated the child had been attacked by a crocodile. Community members and Peppimenarti Police attended the scene and began searching for the child, who had yet to be located.”
The child remained missing as of Wednesday morning despite the deployment of a search and rescue team and assistance from Wadeye Police.
“Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community,” Senior Sgt. Erica Gibson said.
“Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance.”
