Giant killer crocodile is world's biggest t

Giant killer crocodile is world's biggest

20.24ft beast is record breaker

Giant ... saltwater crocodile Lolong measures 20.24ft

By JENNY MANNING

Published: 03rd July 2012

A GIANT crocodile has officially been declared the largest held in captivity in the world.

Saltwater croc Lolong, who was caught in the southern Philippines last September, measures a whopping 20.24ft (6.17m).

Guinness World Record chiefs confirmed the beast had taken the record from an Australian crocodile, which measured more than 17ft (5m).

Lolong was captured in the remote town of Bunawan following the deaths of a nine-year-old girl and a fisherman.

Locals believed the victims were killed by the crocs and launched a three-week hunt.

About 100 people pulled the crocodile from a creek using a rope and then hoisted it by crane on to a truck.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde says villagers still fear that more mammoth crocs could be lurking in the water where locals fish.

He said of Lolong's world record: "We're really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone."

Killer croc ... villagers capture Lolong after fears he attacked girl and fisherman