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

A 30-year-old man was arrested Thursday in Cambridgeshire, Britain, on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly throwing a 3-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo. Police said the child was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, then improved slightly and is now described as critically ill but stable.

Cambridgeshire Police said they do not believe the man and the child know each other. Detective Constable Verity McCann said officers are speaking with witnesses who were at the zoo during what she called the “disturbing incident” to establish exactly what happened. Police also said they are supporting the child’s family at the hospital.

A spokesperson for the zoo, named Johnsons of Old Hurst, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and his family,” and said the site will remain closed “until further notice” out of respect for the family. The zoo houses more than 100 animals, including crocodiles, lions, and tigers.

The spokesman added that the crocodiles are kept in a converted cattle shed, with fenced raised walkways overlooking large pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. The article said the incident was reported on June 18, 2026, at 21:30.