An inquiry has commenced into the supervision of a man taken into custody after an incident where a three-year-old child was purportedly thrown into a crocodile habitat at a local zoo.
The young boy sustained severe injuries in an encounter with at least one crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18, and is currently hospitalized after undergoing multiple surgeries. His parents have been diligently supporting him throughout his medical treatment.
A 30-year-old individual from Norfolk was apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Following an evaluation that deemed him unfit for questioning, he was released on bail by the authorities.
Reports indicate that the suspect, who has learning challenges, was accompanied by caregivers during the outing.
Norfolk County Council has confirmed the initiation of a Section 42 investigation under the Care Act 2014. The council clarified that they were not responsible for overseeing, organizing, or funding the individual’s care.
A Section 42 inquiry is triggered when a local authority suspects that an adult with care requirements is facing or at risk of mistreatment or neglect due to their needs and inability to safeguard themselves adequately.
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council stated that the individual in question is not under the council’s care provisions or funding. The ongoing Section 42 inquiry limits their ability to provide further details at this time.
Johnsons of Old Hurst acknowledged being informed about an alleged incident involving a child being thrown into a crocodile enclosure.
The child, currently receiving medical care at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, is reported to be in a stable condition after being injured by a crocodile, as confirmed by Cambridgeshire Police.
Emergency services responded to the zoo following a distress call from the ambulance service at 1:24 pm on June 18, reporting severe injuries sustained by the three-year-old.
Tracey Johnson, co-owner of the zoo, reportedly intervened by entering the enclosure to rescue the child.