Human remains have reportedly been found in the search for a boy who was snatched by a saltwater crocodile near a waterhole in Australia. The boy (12) was taken by the reptile as he was swimming with friends in Mudginberri Billabong in Kakadu National Park, west of Jabiru.

Acting Commander Michael White, of the Northern Command, said "Search teams have now located evidence within the search area which strongly indicates the boy has died from the crocodile attack. Further DNA testing will be conducted to confirm the identification".

"No specifics will be given in relation to the trauma or type of evidence located out of respect for the family" he added.

Local media reports said the "evidence" referred to by Mr. White was human remains. One of the boy's friends was bitten on the arm as he tried to fight the creature off on Sunday.

But the crocodile then turned on the missing boy. The discovery comes after two of the animals were shot and had their stomachs cut open as the search operation continued. No human remains were found inside them.

Flooding caused by the local monsoon season has complicated the search - causing the 200m waterway where the attack took place to expand to more than a kilometre (0.62 miles) wide.

A spokesman for the park said the area was well signposted as a danger zone for crocodiles.

He said "We have big croc warning signs with croc jaws and a big thing saying 'croc risk; do not swim here, do not enter'".

Saltwater crocodiles can grow to be up to seven metres and weigh more than a ton. They are a common feature in the tropical north of Australia.

Their population has increased steadily since the introduction of laws protecting them in 1971. Government estimates put their numbers at between 75,000 and 100,000.

The most recent fatality was in August last year, when Darwin man Sean Cole (27) was taken by a 4.7 metre croc as he swam across the Mary River.