Police in the Northern Territory are searching for a 12-year old child who was reportedly attacked by a crocodile near the Aboriginal community of Palumpa (also known as Nganmarriyanga), 360 km south-west of Darwin.

"Around 5:30pm last night, police received reports of a missing 12-year-old child who was last seen swimming at Mango Creek," a NT Police statement said.

"Reports stated the child had been attacked by a crocodile.

"Community members and Peppimenarti Police attended the scene and began searching for the child, who has yet to be located."

National Indigenous Times understands the child is Indigenous.

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

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

The region is home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles, some growing up to six metres in length.

Speaking on Wednesday, Police Minister Brent Potter said it was a "tragic incident," and noted "search and rescue team are currently out there with members from the Wadeye police station and they'll continue to do that to find that croc".

"They've been authorised to remove that crocodile from the area and recover the missing child," Mr Potter said, as reported by the ABC.

"We live in a place where crocodiles occupy our water places. It is a tragic event.

"We'll wait to see what the additional details come back once search and rescue have completed their job."

It is understood NT Police have launched a land and water search, with police saying this could expand to an aerial search as the day progressed.

The tragedy comes only months after a teenager died from a suspected Crocodile attack off Sabai Island in the Torres Strait.