Toddler snatched by alligator

Alligator Drags Off Boy at Disney Florida Resort

One witness themdialled911 at 9.16pm,Demingssaid. The mother and father, who at different points both ran into the water after the child, shouted for the help of a nearby lifeguard.

"The parents diligently tried to get the child,"Demingssaid.

Demingssaid that, according to witnesses, the family had set up a baby pen about 20 to 30 metresfrom the water on the sand, reported CNN. With the parents and two-year-old boy was a daughter, who is four, the network reported. A witness told CNN a movie was being screened on the beach Tuesday night.

There were no other people in the water at the time of the attack, according to authorities. Signs posted near the lake warn against swimming in it, reported the Orlando Sentinel, but there were no signs warning of alligators. The sheriff said there had been no recent reports of any nuisance alligators in the area, but questions about their presence in the lake will be part of the ongoing investigation.

"As a father, as a grandfather, we"re going to hope for the best in these circumstances,"Demingssaid. "But based upon my 35 years in law enforcement experience, we know we have some challenges ahead."

The GrandFloridianResort and Spa is nestled among Disney"s sprawling complex, positioned just south of the Magic Kingdom theme park in the Orlando area. It stretches along the west side of the Seven Seas Lagoon, a man-made lake that park visitors cross on ferries in route to the Magic Kingdom.

"Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish bayside Resort hotel," reads the GrandFloridiandescription online. "Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Bask on the white-sand beach, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch the fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle."

Demingstold reporters that, according to records, this was the first alligator attack at Disney.

"Everyone here at the Walt Disney World resort is devastated by this tragic accident," a Disney official told reporters. "Our thoughts are with the family. We are helping the family and doing everything we can to assist law enforcement."

AJJainand his wife, resort guests from Georgia, were on the same beach with friends near the scene of the attack Tuesday night, reported the Orlando Sentinel.

"I"m just here to say a prayer,"Jainsaid. "I can"t imagine what those parents are going through. It"s been one tough week in Orlando."

In March 1997, a 3-year-old New Smyrna Beach boy was killed by a 200-kilogram alligator that grabbed him and dragged him into Lake Ashby in Volusia County as he walked on the shore with his dog. Officials believe the 3.3-metre gator was attracted by the dog. Adam Trevor Binford was pulled under the surface and drowned. Wildlife officials shot the alligator, which was still holding the boy"s body 20 hours later.

This attack is the third tragedy to strike the Orlando area in less than a week. Last Friday, 22-year-old ChristinaGrimmie, a former finalist on NBC"s "The Voice," was shot and killed by a deranged fan while signing autographs after a concert in the city. Less than 48 hours later, 49 people were massacred and 53 were injured inside an Orlando gay nightclub in the deadliest mass shooting in UShistory.

"We"re doing our best to deal with all of the situations we have going on here,"Demingstold reporters Wednesday. "Our staff is very resilient, and tonight they"re very focused, if you will, on assisting this family."

- The Washington Post and AP

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/81107912/toddler-dragged-into-water-by-alligator-near-disney-world-florida