A cunning new crocodile “tactic” to lure human prey into the water has been debunked by researchers after a video of a reptile’s odd behaviour went viral.

The saltwater croc, reportedly filmed in the Barito River in Borneo, can be seen rolling onto its back in the water, with its hands flailing above the surface. Viral videos on social media state the crocodiles in the region are learning to “pretend to drown” in order to lure bystanders into the water.

But Australian crocodile experts are not convinced – saying the theory is “baseless”.