A SCIENTIST was eaten alive by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its enclosure while she fed it last week.

Deasy Tuwo, 44, was feeding croc Merry early on Friday morning at the CV Yosiki Laboratory in Indonesia when the beast appears to have reared and leapt up an 8ft high concrete wall, pulling her into the water.

8 The beast had apparently ripped the arm from the researcher's body Credit: Viral Press

Tuwo, the head of the lab which reportedly made beauty products, was found by her co-workers at around 8.45am that day, after they noticed a "strange shape" in the water.

The reptile was found lying on the ground with Deasy's savaged body in its jaws.

It had ripped off Deasy's left arm and mutilated her upper torso.

Merry had previously killed another croc that shared its pool, and staff said it was known to be a troubled animal.

8 Deasy Tuwo was described as quiet, with a great love of animals Credit: Viral Press

Rescue workers battled to retrieve the woman’s remains from the croc, which thrashed violently every time they tried to fish the corpse from the water.

Police said they did not know why the croc was kept near the lab, and they could not find the Japanese owner to ask him.

The reptile was finally captures and restrained today and picture in the city of Tomohon strapped to a flat-bed truck, before it was transported away for medical tests to confirm whether he had eaten any body parts.

Former Colleague Merry Supit said: "She was the head of the lab. A quiet person. We're confused about how this happened.

Another co-worker, Erling Rumengan said: ''We were curious when we looked at the crocodile pool, there was a floating object, it was Deasy's body.

8 Merry the crocodile measures in at 17ft long Credit: Viral Press

8 The croc was troubled, and had previously killed another crocodile kept in the same enclosure Credit: Viral Press

"We were afraid to touch it and we immediately reported the incident at the Tombariri police station.

"It's possible the crocodile jumped from the side. Maybe it's because the crocodile was still full, it didn't finish eating her body."

8 The animal appeared to have devoured parts of the scientist's body Credit: Viral Press

8 The 44-year-old's body was recovered after the crocodile was restrained Credit: Viral Press

8 The croc will now have its stomach inspected to see if it did indeed eat the scientist Credit: Viral Press

The crocodile will be taken to a wildlife rescue centre in Bitung district where tests will be carried out on its stomach.

Police said they were trying to trace the owner of the crocodile after the incident.

He is believed to be a Japanese businessman - the same man who opened the research facility.

Police said he was not at the centre at the time of the incident, and had not been seen or heard from since the news of it broke.

8 It is unclear who owned the croc Credit: Viral Press

MOST READ IN NEWS CORONA CURBS Boris Johnson says Covid second wave is ‘inevitable’ as country faces lockdown SHORT SHARP LOCK Pubs & restaurants could shut completely within days in two-week lockdown Latest ON THE BRINK England faces lockdown in days as cases double and Nightingale ward on standby HOLIDAY TRAGEDY Mum, 33, found dead on holiday from alcohol poisoning after 'drink session' 'WORST NIGHTMARE' Newborn mauled to death by 'jealous' dog who escaped from pen, says uncle WATCH OUT 18 new places on coronavirus watch list revealed – with 2 areas added this week

Raswin Sirait, Tomohon Police Chief, said: "We are still looking for the owner of the crocodile, besides that we have coordinated with the authorities in the area.

"I believe the owner must acknowledge this horrible incident.

"We also need to know if he is legally permitted to own crocodiles and other expensive aquatics in his company.

"If there is no permit, he will be detained."

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.