Toddler Injured in Crocodile Enclosure Sparks Arrest at Cambridgeshire Zoo
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo. The child is in critical but stable condition as Cambridgeshire Police investigate the incident, with reports suggesting he was allegedly thrown into the enclosure.
The United Kingdom’s police has arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he ended up in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo.
The distressing incident, which occurred on Thursday lunchtime, led to the toddler being rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he is currently in a critical but stable condition.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed that officers were called to the zoo, a combined farm shop, cafe, butchers, and steakhouse located near Cambridge in Huntingdonshire, following reports of the event.
While the police initially did not specify the nature or source of the injuries, they are investigating whether the child was attacked by the animals.
Notably, reports from The Times indicate that the child was allegedly thrown into the enclosure.
The Detective Inspector Verity McCann from the major crime unit stated that detectives are thoroughly speaking to witnesses who were present at the zoo at the time to fully understand the circumstances.
DI McCann also clarified a significant detail, stating, "We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other."
Specially trained officers are providing crucial support to the boy's family at the hospital during this traumatic period.
The MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, publicly addressed the situation, describing it as a "critical incident" and a "live criminal investigation."
He urged the public to refrain from online speculation and extended his deepest thoughts to the young victim and his family.
Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run business known for its "over 100 fascinating animals" including African lions, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, meerkats, and its resident crocodiles, Romeo and Cuddles, issued a statement.
They conveyed their "thoughts and prayers" to the boy and his family, and as a mark of respect, their tropical house, where the crocodile enclosure is located, will remain closed until further notice.
However, the rest of the site is operating as normal, and the zoo has directed all inquiries regarding the incident to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary.
Emergency services responded promptly and comprehensively to the scene, and the East of England ambulance service deployed an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and a Magpas air ambulance.
A critical care team from Magpas attended at 13:42, provided treatment to the patient at the scene, and subsequently transported the child by road to the hospital for advanced medical care.