The remains of a 12-year-old girl were discovered after a crocodile attack in Northern Territory, Australia, tragically ending a search that began when she went missing near Palumpa while swimming on Tuesday evening.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson confirmed the fatal injuries were caused by a crocodile, marking a rare but devastating incident in a region known for its large crocodile population. The girl's family, who were on holiday, and the local community are receiving support, while efforts to capture the animal continue. The tragic event has reignited concerns over crocodile safety in Northern Territory, where demand for increased removals has been growing.

The initial reports of the 12-year-old girl's disappearance came Tuesday evening after she and her family were swimming in a creek near Palumpa. Palumpa is a remote town approximately seven hours by road from Darwin, the capital of Northern Territory, and has a population of around 350 people.

The search for the girl began immediately, involving local community members, Northern Territory Police, and other emergency responders. According to police, a black crocodile had been seen in the immediate area prior to the attack.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson later confirmed that the girl's remains were found and that the injuries were consistent with a crocodile attack. The recovery operation was described by authorities as particularly gruesome and devastating.

Efforts to find and capture the crocodile responsible for the attack are ongoing. The search has utilized both a boat and a helicopter, as authorities prioritize public safety and seek to prevent further incidents.

Northern Territory is known for its significant crocodile population, with estimates suggesting there are over 100,000 crocodiles in the region. These animals, some of which can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long, are a well-known danger, although fatal attacks remain relatively rare.

This incident has brought renewed attention to crocodile management and safety in the Northern Territory. Discussions and demands for increased removals of crocodiles have been ongoing due to heightened safety concerns from the local population and visitors.

Support services are being provided to the young girl's family, the community, and the first responders who participated in the search and recovery. This has been a deeply distressing event for all those involved and for the local residents of Palumpa.

Authorities are urging caution for anyone swimming or engaging in water activities in areas known to be inhabited by crocodiles. They advise the public to adhere to all safety warnings and guidelines to prevent such tragic incidents from reoccurring.