Alligator drags two-year-old child into lagoon at Disney World resort in Florida, sparking a search by police and wildlife officials. Photograph: John Taggart/EPA

ORLANDO – A 2-year-old boy was dragged into the water by an alligator Tuesday night near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The child was attacked at the Seven Seas Lagoon about 9:30 p.m., according to spokeswoman Rose Silva. 

The 911 call was received about 9:16 p.m. 

The father tried to rescue the boy by wrestling with the alligator, but it got away with the toddler. 

The family with three kids was on vacation from Nebraska, and they were relaxing at a beach area and wading in a lake when the attack occurred, according to Sheriff Jerry Demings.

“The father was nearby and the child was playing in the water, about a foot or so of water, and the gator attacked,” Demings said.

Demings described the father’s attempts to wrestle the child away from the animal. 

“The parents diligently tried to get the child. They alerted a nearby lifeguard who  was in the area as well but they were unsuccessful in their efforts.”

An alligator trapper is on the scene, according to Demings, who added that there are 50 law enforcement personnel and two marine units taking part in the search.

“We hope for the best, but based on my 35 years of experience we know that we have some challenges,” said Demings.

Crews are prepared to stay throughout the night and into the morning. 

Demings said there had been no other reports of gator attacks in the area.

Disney issued a statement following the incident. 

“Everyone here at the Walt Disney World resort is devastated by this tragic accident,” said Jacquee Wahler, Vice President of Public Affairs for Disney, “Our thoughts are with the family.”