By Steve Vivian, ABC
A crocodile swimming in a lagoon at Crocodylus Park located on the outskirts of the Northern Territory town of Darwin on 30 August, 2023. Photo: AFP / David Gray
Police are searching for a 12-year-old child who was reportedly attacked by a crocodile near the remote Northern Territory community of Palumpa, 360 kilometres south-west of Darwin.
"Around 5:30pm last night, police received reports of a missing 12-year-old child who was last seen swimming at Mango Creek," NT Police 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 has yet to be located."
Northern Territory Police Minister Brent Potter said it was a horrible situation for the community and the child's family.
"It's a tragic incident for any parent or family member to lose a young child, and especially in the circumstances like that taken by a crocodile," he said.
"I know the search and rescue team are currently out there with members from the Wadeye police station and they'll continue to do that to find that croc.
Red pin shows the location of Palumpa / Nganmarriyanga, a remote Northern Territory community. Photo: Google Maps
"They've been authorised to remove that crocodile from the area and recover the missing child.
"We live in a place where crocodiles occupy our water places. It is a tragic event.
"We'll wait to see what the additional details come back once search and rescue have completed their job."
NT Police has launched a land and water search, which could expand to an aerial search during the day, police said.
"Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community," NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said.
"Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance ."
Officers from the nearby community of Wadeye are also assisting search efforts, police said.
- ABC