A three-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition after being allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Huntingdonshire. The zoo owner's wife reportedly jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
Incident at Johnson's of Old Hurst
Police were called to Johnson's of Old Hurst at around 1.25pm on Thursday following reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy who ended up in the crocodile enclosure. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Local reports indicate that Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo owner, jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The boy was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries, including a broken pelvis and a broken arm, but thankfully the crocodile did not attack him.
Witness Accounts
A local villager, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press Association: "Apparently the boy has a broken pelvis and a broken arm, but thankfully the crocodile didn't actually get to him. Someone was able to jump in and get him out of the water. It could have been so much worse, but he's obviously got some really serious injuries from the fall. None of the injuries were from the crocodiles, thank God."
Police Investigation
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: "At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy's family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them."
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and an air ambulance were all sent to the scene. A uniformed police officer was seen at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening.
Zoo Statement
In a statement on social media, Johnson's said that "out of respect to the family" the Tropical House will remain closed until further notice. They added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today."
Zoo Background
The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, and meerkats. The crocodiles are kept inside a tropical house building in a converted cattle shed. A blog post on the zoo's website says the crocodiles were initially kept to help dispose of waste meat from the butchery, but they went on to be the start of the zoo.
Andy Johnson, the current owner, has participated in composing a "European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians," according to the zoo's website.
Local Reactions
Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives close to the zoo, said that the crocodile enclosure is elevated, estimating that the crocodiles were about 15ft below and that there was fencing along walkways which he estimated was around 4ft high.
Local councillor Charlotte Lowe said she "can't fathom" how the boy ended up in the crocodile enclosure. Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: "I can't fathom how it's happened because they've got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there. This incident, I think it's shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals."
Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, 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 police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time."
A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: "We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson's of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing."
