Crocodile attacks 12 year-old boy in Australia

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A 12-year-old boy was bitten by a crocodile yesterday in Australia and dragged out to deeper water.

The boy was attacked as he as he swam with a group of people in a quiet lagoon in Port Bradshaw in East Arnhem Land.

Other members of the group tried to spear the animal but the crocodile swam away with the boy.

Police Superintendent Michael White said in a statement: "Initial reports suggest adults within the group tried to save the boy by spearing the animal, but the crocodile dragged the child out to deeper water.

"Officers from Nhulunbuy police station are currently at the scene of the attack and searching for the boy and the crocodile."

Supt White added: "This is a tragic circumstance for the child's family and friends, and highlights the dangers of swimming in waterways in the Top End."

Fatal attacks in Australia by saltwater crocodiles - a protected species - remain rare, although this is the second in the second fatal attack within two weeks in Australia’s tropical Northern Territory.

Less than two weeks ago a seven-year-old girl was killed by a crocodile, with what were believed to be her remains found in a crocodile that was later shot in the area where she went missing.

The reptiles can reach around 23 feet in length and 2,200 pounds in weight.