A 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo has been released on bail, police have said. The man, from Norfolk, is not fit to be interviewed, according to Cambridgeshire police, who confirmed he has been bailed until 18 September.
Officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire at 1.24pm on Thursday following reports of an incident involving the boy, who ended up in the crocodile enclosure. Zoo staff pulled the child from the enclosure, and he was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries. He remains in a critical but stable condition.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: 'Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.' The 30-year-old man is not known to the victim.
A villager told PA Media that the zoo owner's wife, Tracey Johnson, jumped into the enclosure to try to save the child. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, described Johnson's actions as 'remarkable bravery', adding: 'She'd always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She's an extraordinary lady and very brave.'
In a statement on social media, the Johnsons said: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today. Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice.' The zoo is home to over 100 animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers and crocodiles, with its two largest crocodiles named Romeo and Cuddles.
Huntingdonshire district councillor Charlotte Lowe said she 'can't fathom' how the boy ended up in the enclosure, noting that the zoo had 'all the right protection and safety equipment'. Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon, said the incident is being treated as a critical incident and urged people to refrain from speculation online.
