A search is underway for a toddler who was dragged off by an alligator in Florida on Tuesday night (local time).
It's believed the two-year-old was snatched near Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel at around 9:15pm, according to local authorities.
The family, on vacation from Nebraska, were relaxing on a beach and sand area when the alligator came up and grabbed the child.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings says the father entered the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon to try and wrestle his son away from the alligator but was unsuccessful.
The boy's mother also entered the water in a rescue attempt, before a lifeguard was alerted.
A joint recovery attempt has been launched with the Orange County Sherriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
More than 50 officials are taking part in the recovery which is expected to take place over the next several hours.
"As a father, as a grandfather, we're going to hope for the best in these circumstances, but based upon my 35 years of law enforcement experience we know that we have some challenges ahead of us at this time," says Mr Demings.
Local authorities say it's the first time this has occurred in this area.
Witness reports say the alligator was somewhere between four and six or seven feet long.
A spokesperson from Disney says they're supporting the family and doing everything they can.
Newshub.
