A young child was taken to the hospital in critical condition after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a man at a zoo in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, prompting police response on Thursday afternoon.
Following reports of the child’s serious injuries, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The boy was then transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition, with his family receiving support from specialized officers.
Authorities stated that the man and child were not acquainted with each other. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty urged the public to avoid speculating online and assured that the police would provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann mentioned that inquiries are ongoing to gather information from witnesses present at the zoo during the incident. The zoo, Johnson’s of Old Hurst, is a family-run farming business with various amenities, including a zoo housing over 100 animals, such as lions, tigers, and crocodiles.
The zoo management expressed sympathy for the victim and the family, announcing the closure of the Tropical House out of respect. Local residents expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing the safety measures in place at the zoo. Councillor Charlotte Lowe remarked on the community’s disbelief at the tragic event, highlighting the safety protocols enforced at the zoo.