A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire. Officers were called to Johnson's of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, at 1:24 PM on Thursday following reports of an incident involving the toddler, during which he entered the crocodile enclosure, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed.
The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in critical but stable condition. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, authorities said.
Police Investigation Underway
Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated: "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."
Police have urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances while inquiries are ongoing. 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."
Zoo Response and Closure
In a statement on social media, Johnson's of Old Hurst announced that the Tropical House, where the crocodiles are housed, will remain closed until further notice "out of respect to the family." The zoo added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today."
The zoo is home to over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, and meerkats. The crocodiles are kept inside a converted cattle shed within the Tropical House. According to the zoo's website, the Johnson family has cared for crocodiles for two decades, and owner Andy Johnson contributed to a European dossier on crocodilian welfare and husbandry.
Community Reaction
Local councillor Charlotte Lowe expressed shock: "I can't fathom how it's happened because they've got all the right protection and safety equipment in there. This incident has shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals." Mike Annicelli, a nearby resident who previously visited the zoo, described the enclosure as elevated with a raised platform and fencing about 4 feet high, estimating the crocodiles were 15 feet below.
Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: "I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must have been absolutely terrible for the child and the family." A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council confirmed they are working closely with police and urged against speculation.
Emergency services, including an ambulance, rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer vehicle, and air ambulance, attended the scene. A uniformed police officer remained at the zoo entrance on Thursday evening.
