Police have released a major update after a boy, 3, was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a UK zoo on Thursday. Officers have confirmed the boy from Cambridgeshire remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a critical but stable condition following the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire yesterday (Thursday June 18).
Police were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”. The boy, who was pulled out of the enclosure by staff from the zoo, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been released on bail while detectives from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Unit conduct further enquiries. The man, who is not known to the victim, was reportedly assessed as not being fit for interview. Det Insp Verity McCann said: “Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
The crocodile enclosure has been closed until further notice, Johnson’s Zoo said in a statement on social media.
The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, according to its website, including crocodiles, Bengal tigers and lions.
In a statement posted on social media, Johnson’s said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.
“Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct inquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary.
“The rest of the site will remain open as normal. Thank you.”
Conservative MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, asked people to ‘refrain from speculation online.
Speaking on X, the Minister said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.
The 30-year-old man has been bailed until September 18.