An investigation has been launched into the care of a 30-year-old man arrested after a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo and farm shop in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred on June 18, when the zoo was alerted to reports that a child had been thrown into one of its crocodile enclosures.
Child's Condition and Arrest
The boy's parents stated they have been "living at the hospital" and that their son has undergone five surgeries after being attacked by at least one of the reptiles. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the boy remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in a "stable condition." The 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed after being assessed as not fit for interview. The suspect reportedly has learning difficulties and was on a trip with carers at the time.
Section 42 Inquiry Underway
Norfolk County Council, which confirmed it did not provide any care for the man, announced that a Section 42 inquiry under the Care Act 2014 has begun. A Section 42 inquiry is conducted when a council believes an adult in its area has care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves due to those needs. A council spokesperson said: "The individual in question is not receiving any care provided, commissioned nor paid for by Norfolk County Council. We can confirm that a Section 42 inquiry is underway. We’re unable to comment further on an ongoing inquiry."
Police Response and Zoo Co-owner's Actions
Cambridgeshire Police received a call from the ambulance service at 1:24 PM on June 18 reporting that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries. Tracey Johnson, co-owner of the zoo, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The zoo has not commented further on the incident.
