Fears for an Australian toddler missing following a croc assault.
A desperate hunt is underway in northern Australia for a toddler believed to have been abducted by a crocodile.
The 12-year-old was last seen swimming near the rural town of Palumpa, which is around a 7-hour journey south-west of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
According to police, a specialist search and rescue team has been dispatched after "initial reports stated the child had been attacked by a crocodile".
The Northern Territory is home to an estimated 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, the most in the world, however assaults are infrequent.
Members of the Palumpa hamlet, which has a population of only 364 people, and local police began searching for the youngster immediately after they went missing in Mango Creek at 17:30 local time (08:00 GMT).
They have now been joined by extra officers and an elite search and rescue team, which is investigating both land and water for clues.
Local media reports that an aircraft search may be conducted as well.
"Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat, and we thank [the] community for their ongoing assistance," Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said in a statement.
"Local officers are on the scene, and our prayers are with the family and community.
