A three-year-old boy remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire. The toddler was allegedly thrown 15 feet from a fenced walkway into the crocodile pit by a 30-year-old man with learning difficulties, who has since been deemed unfit for police interview.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported hearing a loud scream as the boy fell into the enclosure. The child was then gripped by either a saltwater or Nile crocodile. Zoo staff, including Tracey Johnson (55), her husband Andrew (56), and their son Edward (29), jumped into the enclosure to rescue the boy. They managed to free the toddler from the crocodile and remove him from the pit.
The boy sustained a suspected broken arm and pelvis, along with other serious injuries. He received medical treatment at the scene before being airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Suspect and Investigation
Police arrested the 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. However, he was released on bail after being assessed as not fit for interview. Cambridgeshire Police stated: "A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail while detectives from our major crime unit conduct further inquiries regarding this incident. The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview."
Authorities are now investigating the role of two carers who were meant to be supervising the suspect at the time of the incident. The man is not known to the victim or his family.
Zoo Response
Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run zoo and farm, has been cooperating with police. The zoo owners, who risked their own safety to save the child, have been praised for their quick actions. The crocodiles involved remain in the enclosure, and the zoo has temporarily closed the walkway above the pit.
Cambridgeshire Police added: "A three-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire remains at Addenbrooke’s hospital in a critical but stable condition following an incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst. The boy, who sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure, was pulled out by staff from the zoo and received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital."
