An extensive search is underway for a seven-year-old girl who was last seen swimming at a billabong at the Gumarrirngbang outstation, approximately 100 kilometres west of Maningrida by road, yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Shaun Gill from the Territory Response Group said the girl was swimming with other children and an adult when a crocodile attacked the group just after 4:00 pm.

“Witnesses have told Police that a crocodile attacked the male adult before pulling the girl under water,” Senior Sergeant Gill said.

“The crocodile is estimated to be about 2-3 metres in length and the billabong is described as being approximately 200 metres long by 20 metres wide.

“Members of the Territory Response Section are coordinating the search with the assistance of local members, members from the Water Police Section, a ranger from the Crocodile Management Unit and members from the community.

“An extensive land and water search commenced at first light this morning and will continue throughout the day.”

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