In a horrific incident witnessed by his parents, a two-year old boy was snatched and pulled into water by an alligator at a Disney hotel in Orlando.
The family of four from Nebraska were relaxing on the beach of a man-made lake at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa while the toddler waded on the water just feet away, law enforcement officers said.
The boy’s father made a vain attempt to grab his son and received a cut hand.
The incident happened Tuesday evening and by the early hours of Wednesday no trace of the boy was found, despite more than 50 officers in helicopters and boats involved in the search.
"We’re not leaving until we recover the child," sheriff Jerry Demings said at an early morning press briefing.
"The parents diligently tried to get the child," Demings said.
"As a father, as a grandfather, we’re going to hope for the best in these circumstances but based upon my 35 years in law enforcement, we know we have some challenges ahead."
The family, which also included a four-year daughter, has not been named.
No other people were in the water at the time and there are no signposts warning of gators.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is close to Disney’s Magic Kingdom and the lake is used to ferry guests across to the theme park by boat.
Sheriff Demings said this was the first alligator attack at Disney.
"Everyone here at the Walt Disney World resort is devastated by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family. We are helping the family and doing everything we can to assist law enforcement," a Disney official said.
