Crocodile Attack: 'Human Remains' Found

Australian authorities searching for a seven-year-old girl have found what appears to be human remains inside a 3m crocodile.

An extensive search began at first light for the girl who was last seen swimming at the natural pool at an outstation about 210 miles (340km) east of the city of Darwin on Friday afternoon.

The girl was swimming with other children and an adult at the time.

"Witnesses have told police that a crocodile attacked the male adult before pulling the girl under water," Senior Sergeant Shaun Gill said.

Police searching the waterhole shot dead a 3m crocodile at the Gumarrirngbang outstation on Saturday.

An examination of the animal revealed what are believed to be the human remains in its stomach, but more testing will be conducted.

"Further forensic testing will be conducted in Darwin to determine if the remains are human and if found human, the identity of the person," said Gill.

"This is now a matter of investigation and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

An earlier search by police and volunteers on Friday failed to find the child and extra police were flown to the remote area, about 100 kilometres from the Aboriginal community Maningrida.

"Everyone involved in this search has been working under difficult conditions. This is a heartbreaking outcome for the family and the community," said Senior Sergeant Gill.

Saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to 7m (23ft) long and weigh more than a ton, are a common feature of Australia's tropical north.

They have been protected since the 1970s and their numbers have increased steadily since, along with the number of human encounters.

An average of two people are killed each year in Australia by saltwater crocodiles.