A crocodile that snatched a child swimming in a creek in the Northern Territory has been destroyed.

The 12-year-old girl went missing on the evening of July 2 near the community of Palumpa, about 360km southwest of Darwin.

She was last seen swimming at Mango Creek.

A 4.2 metre crocodile was shot by local rangers on Sunday and resurfaced on Tuesday.

Police have confirmed it was the reptile that attacked the child and have notified her family.

“The events of last week have had a huge impact on the family and local police are continuing to provide support to everyone impacted,” Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said.

“The family have requested privacy as they grieve.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.