REMAINS of a 12-year-old girl have been found after she was dragged away and savaged by a crocodile.
The youngster was swimming in Palumpa, northern Australia, when she vanished on Tuesday evening.
Cops said the child was last seen swimming in Mango Creek before the alarm was raised.
A frantic search was launched amid fears she had been attacked by a croc.
On Thursday morning, police tragically confirmed her remains had been found after a 36-hour hunt.
Cops described the scene as “particularly gruesome”.
Northern Territory Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said: “This morning, as a result of searching intensively overnight, the remains of the missing child were located in the riverway.
“It was particularly gruesome and a sad, devastating outcome. It was extremely difficult for the first responders involved in the search.
“As awful as the outcome is, it’s been an incredible effort from the people involved. I certainly would commend the actions of everyone involved.
“They were diligent and work relentlessly. However, for the family, it’s the most devastating outcome possible for them.’
“They are in a state of extreme shock and disbelief.
“It’s not the outcome we were hoping for, but for the family at least there is some small element of closure.”
Sgt Gibson said a black crocodile had early been seen in the area close to where the youngster was swimming.
Police used boats, helicopters as well as officers on foot to scour the area after she vanished.
They grappled with challenging terrain with thick vegetation and a narrow waterway.
NT Police Minister Brent Potter said on Wednesday wildlife officers had been authorised to “remove” the crocodile from the area once it had been located.
He said: “We live in a place where crocodiles occupy our water places… it’s just a reminder to stay out of the water as best we can.”
