Search for missing 12-year-old in remote Northern Territory amid fears of crocodile attack

An urgent search is underway for a missing 12-year-old in a remote Northern Territory community amid fears she has been attacked by a crocodile.

The child was last seen yesterday afternoon swimming at Mango Creek, near the remote Aboriginal community of Nganmarriyanga - also known as Palumpa - 350km south-west of Darwin.

Police were first alerted to the child's disappearance at 5.30pm, with initial reports stating she had been attacked by a crocodile.

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Nganmarriyanga community members and police went to the creek and began searching for the child, but she has yet to be found.

Today, police have deployed a search and rescue team to the area with officers from the nearby community of Wadeye assisting.

"Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community," Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said.

"Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance."