Last Update: Thursday, April 7, 2005. 7:24pm (AEST)

[B]Pet crocodile takes passer-by by surprise[/B]

A Tennant Creek man has spoken of his surprise at being attacked by a small crocodile in one of the Northern Territory town's streets.

Jimmy Hooker says he was walking home on Monday night when a crocodile around half a metre in length tried to bite his leg.

The crocodile is a pet that had escaped from a nearby house.

Mr Hooker says he could not believe his eyes when the reptile confronted him.

"I heard a barking noise," he said.

"I looked down and unbelievable - it went straight for my leg. Missed me by half an inch.

"I always carry a bag with me. I put the bag down and it grabbed the bag and shook hell out of it."

Mr Hooker says he initially thought the little crocodile was an angry goanna.