KINABATANGAN: Police had to fire 12 shots at a crocodile that was in the midst of tearing a man's limbs apart in a bizarre attack at Ladang Limddale in Kampung Paris 2 here today.
Despite the repeated gunshots fired, the rescuers only manage to retrieve the man's left leg from the beast's jaw.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department in a statement said the victim, identified as an Indonesian, Roberto Martinus, 48, was seen putting up a fight at about 5.45pm in the jaws of the crocodile.
"Police who were summoned to the scene fired at least 12 shots at the beast to make it release the victim but their efforts only led to the recovery of the man's left leg," it said, adding that the remains were later confirmed by the deceased's family members.
It is learnt that the victim had been reported missing at about 6.40pm yesterday while fishing at the river.
Three police officers, three staff from the Wildlife Department, and 35 civilians participated in the search and rescue operation yesterday.