A GIRL of nine was killed by a crocodile in front of her brothers while they were fishing.

She was paddling in a river when the reptile pounced and dragged her into the water.

Her two older brothers ran back to their village in Lemoambo, Indonesia, for help but the crocodile swam off with the girl, known only as Desi.

Search teams found her remains hundreds of yards down the river six hours later.

Police chief Muhammad Nekson said: “Initially, the situation on the river was peaceful until suddenly, the victim was snatched by a crocodile.

“Her older brothers tried to help, but she was thrashed by the crocodile until she drowned.”

M Arafat, Kendari Basarnas head, said: ‘The girl was found around one kilometre from the location where the crocodile pounce.”

Kusambi Police Inspector Muhammad said Desi’s body was handed over to her family.

She was planned to be laid to rest at the Lemoambo Village public cemetery on Thursday afternoon.