Australian police searching for a missing 7-year-old girl said Saturday that they feared she had been killed by a crocodile.

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

"The crocodile is estimated to be about 2-3 metres (6.6-10 feet) in length."

A crocodile was shot and killed at the location where the girl disappeared on Friday, 350 miles east of Darwin. Human remains were found inside the reptile, according to Gill.

Heartbreaking

"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."

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

The police announcement comes after a police and volunteer search on Friday was unsuccessful in finding the missing girl.

Locals had reportedly believed that the area where the girl disappeared was safe for swimming and crocodile-free. But police told people not to be complacent, warning “croc danger is real.”

sej/ipj (dpa/AFP)