Missing Australian child feared attacked by crocodile, police say

3/7/2024 11:34

        Police in Australia's Northern Territory said on Wednesday a missing 12-year-old child was reportedly 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, a remote town of around 350 people seven hours by road from the territory capital Darwin.
        
        A senior sergeant said in a statement, "Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community."
        
        "Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance."
        
        There are more than 100,000 crocodiles - which can grow up to 6 metres (20 ft) long - in the vast Northern Territory, though fatal attacks are relatively rare.