The older sister of a woman who fought off a crocodile after it attacked her twin in Mexico has said she is “so proud” of her.

Melissa and Georgia Laurie, 28 and from Berkshire, were swimming in Manialtepec Lagoon, near Puerto Escondido about 450 miles (724km) southeast of Mexico City, at night when the attack happened.

Melissa was reportedly dragged under the water by the animal and her sister found her face-down on the surface several minutes later.

The pair’s father, Sean Laurie, said Georgia tried to bring Melissa back to their boat but the crocodile attacked again.

Mr Laurie told the Daily Mail: “Georgia had to fight it off. She kept punching it in the head.”

The pair are both recovering in hospital in Mexico, with Georgia suffering injuries to her hands while Melissa has been placed in a medically-induced coma to prevent any infection to her injuries.

The twins were volunteering with animals in the country and had been taking a break when the crocodile attacked.

Hana Laurie, 33, told the PA news agency Georgia fought off the crocodile three times.

“I felt really proud of her, very proud of her,” she said.

“Georgia’s OK, she’s tired, she’s really stressed. I think she’s really frightened but she is awake and has got some wounds on her hands. Melissa’s still in an induced coma.”

Hana said the pair had booked a tour with a guide through their hostel and the women found out later their tour guide was not registered and had taken them to swimming spot which was not recommended.

“He’s an unlicensed tour guide and according to someone on a Mexican Facebook page he’s been doing it for a while, doing illegal tours in unsafe, unregistered areas,” she said.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office told Sky News: “We are supporting the family of two British women who are in hospital in Mexico, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Hana said the family were in disbelief when they found out what happened, adding that the event was “so unusual, and so rare” that they “didn’t believe it could happen to them”.

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