Search continues for Australian boy snatched by crocodiles

Australian police have shot dead two crocodiles after a 12-year-old boy's disappearance

Saltwater crocodiles can weigh up to a ton

Two crocodiles have been shot dead as Australian police continue their search for a missing boy, snatched while swimming in a local waterhole.

The Saltwater crocodiles, measuring 4.3m and 4.7m, were killed after the 12-year-old boy’s disappearance on Sunday afternoon while swimming with a friend in Kakadu National Park, in Northern Territory.

“We’ve since had a look at both crocodiles and neither of them had anything in their stomachs,” said Sergeant Stephen Constable, who confirmed the search for the boy will continue.

Another young boy suffered bite wounds as he fought off the crocodiles in the same attack.

Saltwater crocodiles can grow up to seven metres long, weighing in at over a ton and are a common feature of Australia’s Northern Territories.

Only in August last year a man died after being attacked by a crocodile swimming across a river.

Officials repeatedly warn locals not to swim in the nearby watering holes or rivers.

It is estimated the Saltwater crocodile population has increased to between 75,000 and 100,000 since the introduction of protection laws in 1971.