Swimmer's Remains Found Inside Dead Alligator

An alligator that killed a night swimmer last week has been shot dead by a customer at the Texas marina where the attack occurred.

A man identifying himself as "Bear" said he lured the 11ft (3.3 metre) reptile to his boat with chicken bait before shooting it in the head.

"He had to go," Bear told the Houston Chronicle. "That's what happens when you kill someone."

Game wardens sliced open the 400lb (180kg) carcass on Monday evening and found the remains of Tommie Woodward's body, said officials.

Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife Captain Rod Ousley said Bear should have called the game warden instead of taking it upon himself to shoot the alligator.

It is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine of up to $500, but it is not clear if the penalty will be imposed in this case.

Woodward, 28, turned up on Thursday night at Adams Bayou in Orange with a young woman before deciding to jump in the water.

He ignored a sign that read "No Swimming. Alligators" and onlookers' warnings not to go in the water at Burkart's Marina.

Woodward took the plunge, shouting: "F*** that alligator."

He was immediately attacked by the beast and his body found hours later.

Woodward suffered major trauma to his left arm and puncture wounds to his chest.