Girl Missing After Crocodile Attack in Remote Territory in Australia

The 12-year-old had been swimming in a creek when she disappeared

Australia Crocodile attack
Crocodile attack SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images

Police in Australia are frantically searching for a missing child who may have been dragged off by a crocodile in the country's Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Police were searching for the missing child on Wednesday near the remote community of Palumpa.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday police received reports of a missing 12-year-old girl who was last seen swimming at Mango Creek.

Initial reports stated she had been attacked by a crocodile and then went missing.

Community members and police immediately began searching for the girl.

A Search and Rescue team was later deployed into the area.

"Our thoughts are with the family and the community," 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."

Police Minister Brent Potter said is was no longer a rescue but the operation was now in the "recovery phase" the BBC reported.

"It's a tragic incident for any parent or family member to lose a young child," Potter said. "Especially in the circumstances like that, taken by a crocodile."

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Crocodile, Australia
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