'Crocodile sighting' in German river leads to swimming ban

People have been banned from swimming in parts of a river in Germany after claims that a crocodile was spotted in the water.

Authorities said late on Saturday that the ban on swimming in the River Unstrut will remain in place until September 6.

It came after a person reported seeing a crocodile in the river in Burgenland county, about 185 kilometers southwest of Berlin.

Extensive searches for the reptile have so far produced no evidence of its existence, they said.

Residents, boats users and cyclists travelling along the Unstrut were asked to report any further sightings to authorities.

Crocodiles are not native to Germany or any other part of Europe.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.

Read more

Reward offered for rescuing crocodile with tyre stuck around its neck