Police searching for little girl missing in croc-infested waters

Police divers are now on the scene where a 12yo girl went missing after she was reportedly attacked by a crocodile.

The search for a missing 12yo girl in the Northern Territory has shifted to a body recovery.

Police believe the girl, who was reported missing on Tuesday afternoon, was attacked by a crocodile.

Northern Territory Police Minister Brent Potter told the NT News police had been searching for the girl for more than 18 hours.

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He said the team had reportedly been authorised to “remove the crocodile from the area” so they could safely continue to search for the girl’s body.

“They do amazing work,” he said. “These officers are also divers, and they do go into croc-infested waters as required.

“It’s probably safe to say we’re in the recovery stage.”

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Police at Moyle River crossing between Peppimenarti and Palumpa, where a 12yo girl is believed to have been attacked by a crocodile. Picture: NT Police

"Our thoughts are with the community"

The NT News reports the unnamed child went missing about 5.30pm on Tuesday afternoon shortly after she was swimming in Mango Creek, about 350km southwest of Darwin.

Community members and local police started searching for the girl shortly after, but were unable to find her.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said police were on scene to provide support for the girl’s community.

“Our thoughts are with the family and the community,” she said.

“Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat, and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance.”

Originally published as Police searching for little girl missing in croc-infested waters