Man arrested for attempted murder after toddler critically injured in UK zoo crocodile enclosure

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy suffered critical injuries in an incident involving a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in eastern England.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, at about 1.24pm on 18 June following reports that a young child had entered a crocodile enclosure.

The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition.

Investigators have not yet confirmed how the injuries were sustained or whether they were caused by crocodiles housed within the enclosure.

Police launch major investigation

Detectives from Cambridgeshire Police's major crime unit have taken charge of the investigation.

The force confirmed that a man from Norfolk had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers also said they do not believe the suspect and the child were known to one another.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances,” she said.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Specially trained officers have been assigned to support the child’s family as inquiries continue.

Questions remain over crocodile involvement

Police said the boy “ended up in the crocodile enclosure” but have not disclosed exactly how he entered the area.

The force is investigating whether the child was attacked by any of the animals housed there.

According to the zoo’s website, Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-run business that combines a zoo, farm shop, butchers, tea room and steakhouse.

The attraction houses more than 100 animals, including crocodiles, African lions and a Bengal tiger.

Its crocodile exhibit is located inside a converted cattle barn featuring elevated metal walkways overlooking pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Zoo responds to incident

A spokesperson for Johnsons of Old Hurst expressed sympathy for the child and his family following the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family,” the spokesperson said.

“Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.”

The zoo said all media inquiries relating to the incident should be directed to Cambridgeshire Police and confirmed that the remainder of the site would continue operating as normal.

Emergency response

Multiple emergency services attended the scene following the incident.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and the Magpas Air Ambulance.

A spokesperson said a child was transported by road to hospital for further treatment.

Magpas Air Ambulance confirmed that a critical care team arrived at the scene at 1.42pm.

The organisation said its team treated one patient before transferring the child to hospital.

Public officials urge restraint

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty described the incident as traumatic and appealed for caution as the investigation continues.

Writing on social media, he said his thoughts were with the young victim and family and urged people to “refrain from speculation online”.

He added that he had been liaising with senior officers overseeing what authorities are treating as a critical incident.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said he had received a briefing from Chief Constable Simon Megicks.

“My thoughts go out to the family of the little boy involved in this truly horrific incident,” Preston said.

“I can only begin to imagine the trauma those involved are going through.”