A three-year-old boy was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in critical condition after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire, England. The child was rescued and transported for urgent treatment after emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. Early assessments indicate the suspect and the child, or the child’s family, did not know each other. Officers said they are conducting an active criminal investigation and are taking statements from people who were at the zoo when the attack happened.
Police Chief Inspector Verity McCann said, “We are speaking with people who were at the zoo at the time of this tragic incident to better understand the circumstances. We do not believe the arrested suspect and the child knew each other.” Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty said he was in contact with commanders overseeing what he called a critical incident and urged the public not to speculate online.
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-run zoo known for its crocodiles and alligators, alongside a cattle farm and restaurant. It says it has spent two decades on crocodile breeding and species conservation research, and has appeared on related television programs. Visitors aged 16 and over can take part in reptile-feeding experiences. The attack, which came a day after the zoo marked International Crocodile Day, shocked visitors and staff.
