Florida alligator attack suspected after body found

Authorities say the reptile was involved in the incident, but role is unknown

An alligator in the Florida Everglades. The reptiles have been involved in grisly encounters with humans. AFP

Florida authorities are investigating a possible alligator attack after a body was found alongside a large reptile in the south-western part of the state, local news organisations reported.

The body was found in a residential neighbourhood with a lake, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office told Spectrum News. Video from a helicopter showed what appeared to be a large amount of blood on the ground.

Officials told Spectrum News and a local Fox News affiliate that the alligator was involved in the incident, but its exact role was unclear.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told a local NBC News affiliate that it is assisting law enforcement “with an continuing incident involving an alligator”.

“We are still gathering information at this time,' its statement to WFLA read.

Police did not identify the individual found on the ground in the county just outside Tampa

Florida has been the scene of grisly and deadly incidents with alligators in the past.