Eye for an arm as man saves girl from croc

AN 11-year-old Australian girl was rescued from the jaws of a crocodile by a man who leaped on the reptile and poked it in the eye.

The 11ft saltwater crocodile snatched Hannah Thompson’s arm as she swam in Margaret Bay, north Queensland.

Ray Turner, 57, a crocodile hunter more than 30 years ago, dived from a boat onto the croc’s back when he heard screams.

“I landed fair on its back and I got a finger in its left eye, but he got a fright and let go.” Mr Turner said. “They will always let go when you go for an eye because it’s their vulnerable point and their livelihood.”

Hannah was treated for deep puncture wounds in her arm. Mr Turner said Hannah was brave and even saw a funny side to the attack. “She made a joke about losing her watch. She said the alarm was set for five o’clock if you want to go after that crocodile.”