Woman loses leg to alligator

AN alligator has attacked and severely injured a 90-year-old woman in south-west Florida.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Margaret Webb was walking near her home in Copeland when the 8ft alligator lunged out of a canal.

Officials say the animal tried to drag Webb into the water, but she was able to hang on long enough for a man driving by to stop and help her.

Webb, who lost part of her leg in the attack, was airlifted to a Fort Myers trauma centre.

The agency said a trapper was sent to the area to find the alligator. If found, the reptile will be cut open in an attempt to retrieve and reattach the leg.