Three-Year-Old Critically Injured After Being Thrown Into Zoo Crocodile Enclosure in Britain

A shocking incident in Cambridgeshire, England, left a three-year-old boy critically injured after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo. Police arrested a 30-year-old man on Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities said the boy was taken to hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries, but his condition later improved and is now described as serious but stable.

Cambridgeshire Police said they do not believe the suspect and the child know each other. Detective Varity McCann said officers are speaking with witnesses who were at the zoo during what she called a “disturbing incident” in order to understand how it happened. Police also said they are supporting the child’s family at the hospital.

The zoo, Johnsons of Old Hurst, said it would remain closed “until further notice” out of respect for the family. A spokesperson said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and his family.” He added that the site houses more than 100 animals, including crocodiles, lions and tigers, and that the crocodiles are kept in a converted cattle barn with elevated metal-railed walkways overlooking large water pools surrounded by tropical vegetation.