A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a distressing incident at a Cambridgeshire zoo where a three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after ending up in a crocodile enclosure. Emergency services were called to Johnson's of Old Hurst, located in Huntingdonshire, on Thursday afternoon.
Cambridgeshire police confirmed that officers responded to reports at approximately 1:24 PM. The young boy was immediately transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he is currently receiving treatment. A spokesperson for the force described his condition as critical but stable, indicating the severity of his injuries.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Detective Inspector Verity McCann, who is leading the investigation, stated that authorities are actively speaking with individuals who were present at the zoo at the time to gather more information regarding the circumstances. DI McCann also clarified that, at this stage, investigators do not believe there was any prior acquaintance between the arrested man and the child.
Specially trained officers are providing support to the boy's family at the hospital, reflecting the deeply upsetting nature of the event. The police have expressed their thoughts and concern for the family during this difficult time. The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish a full understanding of how the boy came to be in the enclosure and what led to the incident.
Johnson's of Old Hurst is a family-run farm and zoo popular with local visitors, featuring various animals including crocodiles. Incidents of this nature are exceptionally rare at UK zoos, which typically operate under stringent safety regulations designed to protect both visitors and animals. This event will undoubtedly prompt a thorough review of safety protocols at the facility as part of the wider police investigation.