Norfolk County Council has launched a Section 42 safeguarding inquiry into the care of a 30-year-old man with disabilities who is accused of throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred on June 18, and the man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Incident Details and Injuries
The three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being allegedly thrown into an enclosure containing at least 15 crocodiles. At least one of the reptiles attacked the child before zoo staff intervened and rescued him. The boy remains in a stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital, but his grandmother stated he faces "a long road to recovery" and is receiving support from his parents for both physical and psychological healing.
Suspect's Arrest and Bail
The suspect, who was visiting the zoo with two carers, was released on police bail after being deemed unfit for interview. Cambridgeshire Constabulary's Major Crime Unit is reviewing CCTV footage from the zoo and examining the role of the carers during the incident. According to a source, the carers attempted to leave the zoo with the suspect while staff were rescuing the injured child. The source said: "They tried to get him into the car. Another member of staff was there and prevented them from leaving."
Safeguarding Investigation
The Section 42 inquiry is a statutory investigation under the Care Act to determine whether the man, who receives care, may have experienced abuse or neglect and is unable to protect himself. Although the suspect lives in Norfolk, the council confirmed that his care is not commissioned, funded, or provided by the authority. Norfolk County Council has also paused referrals to the care provider involved while wider checks are carried out. A spokesperson stated the authority is working with health and care partners "to identify and review all those individuals receiving care from this provider and to ensure the care they are receiving is of the quality and consistency they expect and deserve."
Regulatory Response
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has been notified of the incident. A CQC spokesperson said: "CQC is liaising with the organisations involved to understand whether there is any regulatory action it needs to take." Additionally, Huntingdonshire District Council conducted an inspection of the zoo and concluded there were no health and safety concerns requiring formal enforcement action. The authority confirmed that environmental health officers deemed the incident isolated and that the zoo will undergo its routine inspection later this year under the Zoo Licensing Act.
Community Support
A fundraising page set up to support the boy's rehabilitation has raised over £22,000. The boy's family expressed gratitude to zoo staff for their quick actions, stating they saved his life.
