A major safeguarding investigation has been launched after a disabled man allegedly threw a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo, with claims that carers were distracted by their mobile phones. Norfolk County Council has initiated a strict Section 42 inquiry to determine whether the 30-year-old suspect, who was arrested following the incident, is himself a victim of abuse or neglect.
Details of the Incident
The toddler was allegedly thrown into the crocodile pit at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18. He has since undergone five gruelling surgeries after being savaged by a crocodile. The suspect was reportedly bundled into a vehicle by his support workers moments after the incident. He was later released on bail by Cambridgeshire Police until September 18 after being deemed medically unfit for interrogation.
Focus on Carers and Care Provider
The two carers responsible for watching the suspect during the zoo trip are now under scrutiny. Norfolk County Council is investigating the care provider's standards, collaborating with partners in the health and care system to review all individuals receiving care from this provider. According to The Telegraph, the suspect resides in Norfolk, but his care package is neither funded nor managed directly by the local authority.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are also examining the carers, who were reportedly lagging ten metres behind the man when the incident occurred. A full review of the zoo's CCTV footage is underway. The toddler's parents have been effectively living in hospital for weeks. A family friend revealed the youngster plummeted 15 feet into the pit and still requires at least two more operations. Serious concerns remain over whether the boy will regain full use of his arms, wrists, and hands.
Family's Heartbreaking Update
A GoFundMe page has raised over £25,000 for the family. In a statement, the family said: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity. We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time. We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries. We know that our son is to undergo at least two more surgeries, one of those surgeries being a nerve reconstruction in his arm. These last two weeks have been a very uncertain and unsettling time. This uncertainty remains as we still don't know the extent of his feeling, movement and function in both of his arms, wrists and hands. This will only be identified after casts and bandages are able to be removed and he can begin his rehabilitation journey. His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won't be a short process."
Details of the Attack
The toddler initially struck a concrete walkway inside the enclosure, fracturing his arm and pelvis, before falling into the water. Once in the pool, he was reportedly bitten by either a Nile or saltwater crocodile. Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson called it "one of the most distressing" events the wildlife park has ever seen but praised the quick-thinking actions of employees who jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
