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 Huntingdonshire. The incident occurred at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, a family-run zoo that houses over 100 animals including lions, tigers, and crocodiles.
Incident Details
Police were called to the zoo at 1:24 PM on Thursday following reports that a young boy had entered the crocodile enclosure. The child sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated that the arrested individual and the child are not believed to be known to each other. “Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them,” she added.
Witness Accounts
Mike Annicelli, a local resident who has visited the zoo, described the crocodile enclosure as having a raised platform with fencing about 4 feet high, with the crocodiles approximately 15 feet below. He noted that he had always felt safe during his visits.
Local councillor Charlotte Lowe expressed shock, saying, “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment in there.” She added that the incident has shocked many locals.
Zoo Response
Johnson’s of Old Hurst announced on social media that the Tropical House, where the crocodile enclosure is located, will remain closed until further notice “out of respect to the family.” The zoo expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family.
The crocodiles were originally kept to dispose of waste meat from the butchery but later became the foundation of the zoo, according to a blog post on the zoo’s website.
Investigation Ongoing
Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, confirmed that police are treating the incident as a critical investigation. “This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online,” he urged.
Cambridgeshire Police continue to speak with witnesses and gather evidence. The ambulance service dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and an air ambulance to the scene.
A uniformed police officer was stationed at the zoo entrance on Thursday evening, with a marked police car in the car park. The zoo, located off a leafy rural lane in Old Hurst, also includes a tea room, farm shop, and steakhouse.
Huntingdonshire District Council confirmed they are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police, and urged the public not to speculate while inquiries are ongoing.
