Northern Territory: Child missing after they were ‘attacked by crocodile’

A child is missing after they were reportedly attacked by a crocodile – with an urgent land and water search launched.

The 12-year-old was last seen swimming at Mango Creek, in the remote Northern Territory community of Nganmarriyanga, 360km south-west of Darwin. They were reported missing at 5.30pm on Tuesday. 

Northern Territory Police rushed to the scene following initial reports the child was attacked by a crocodile.  

‘Initial reports stated the child had been attacked by a crocodile,’ a police statement said.

‘Community members and Peppimenarti Police attended the scene and began searching for the child, who has yet to be located.’

The child was last seen swimming in a creek in the remote Northern Territory community of Nganmarriyanga, formerly Palumpa, about 360km south-west of Darwin

Police have launched an urgent land and water search for the child. (Pictured, police at Moyle River crossing between Peppimenarti and Palumpa)

Police launched a land and water search for the child, which could also expand to an aerial search. 

NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson local officers along with those from the nearby community of Wadeye were at the scene on Wednesday. 

‘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.’ 

Nganmarriyanga, formerly known as Palumpa, is a remote Aboriginal community in the Daly River region of the Northern Territory. 

It is situated about 360km south-west of Darwin between the communities of Peppimenarti and Wadeye. 

This is a breaking story. More to come