A three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger at a zoo in Cambridgeshire today.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who police do not believe is known to the boy, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The child was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and is in a ‘critical but stable’ condition.
Cambridgeshire Police said officers scrambled to Johnsons of Old Hurst, in Huntingdon, just before 1.30pm today.
A heavy police presence could be seen at the zoo after the ‘hugely traumatic’ incident.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: ‘At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.
‘We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
‘Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.’
A three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger at a zoo in Cambridgeshire today. Pictured: A file image of a crocodile at the zoo
File image of the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-owned zoo with a farm shop, tea room and steakhouse
Cambridgeshire Police said officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, just before 1.30pm today. (File image of crocodile at the enclosure)
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-owned zoo with a farm shop, tea room and steakhouse.
It describes itself as ‘a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens located in the heart of the countryside’.
The zoo houses more than 100 animals, ‘from majestic African lions and Bengal tigers to incredible crocodiles, delightful sloth bears and many more’.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, said: ‘I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
‘This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course.’
‘My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.’
