WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS

A boy has died after being brutally attacked by crocodiles in front of his family.

Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez, 14, was walking with his family by a waterway in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, when he fell into the water on July 18.

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Tragically, before his parents could intervene, crocodiles hidden by the swamp waters launched at him and dragged him beneath the surface.

In a vicious attack, they pulled the boy further from the water’s edge and began tearing into his body.

Andres’ family watched in horror as the boy was brutally killed.

The Mirror reported that it is believed the boy was attacked by a group of Morelet’s crocodiles, also known as the Mexican or Belize crocodile, which can grow up to three metres long and typically weigh a staggering 200kg.

The species is known for being particularly vicious, and once they reach maturity, they will prey on nearly any animal that enters their territory.

Police divers have begun to search the canal for the boy’s remains, but it is unclear if they have managed to recover his body.

Warnings have been issued, and authorities have urged people to avoid visiting the area, citing the unpredictability of the crocodiles.

Since news of the tragedy, tributes have been flowing for Andres, who was actively involved in the local community.

He was an altar boy at and a part of a community marching band run by the Cortazar Fire Department.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, where Andres served, has paid tribute to the boy.

“With deep sorrow, but with our hope placed in our Lord Jesus Christ, who has Risen and is the Lord of life, I earnestly ask you to join in prayer for the eternal rest of Andres Alejandro Santana Hernandez, altar server of the main parish, who has been called to the house of the Eternal Father,” a parish statement read.

The public have taken to social media to express their shock and pain at the sudden loss of Andres.

“He was a Monaguillo (altar boy), a child full of faith, tenderness and hope,” one Facebook user wrote.

“The departure of Andrés Alejandro shows the importance of every glance, every hug, every moment of protection. May their memory be a beacon to keep those we love most safe,” another user wrote.