Authorities have confirmed that a three-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a crocodile at the Johnsons of Old Hurst facility near Huntingdon. The child is currently in critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital following the incident on Thursday.
Cambridgeshire Police have arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. However, investigators noted that the suspect is currently unfit for interview and has since been released on bail. Police do not believe the man and the child were acquainted.
Zoo staff managed to remove the boy from the enclosure after he ended up inside, providing immediate medical assistance before paramedics arrived. The incident is being treated as critical, and officials are still working to determine how long the boy was inside the enclosure before the attack occurred. The crocodiles involved have not been euthanized or seized by authorities.
In response to the tragedy, the site has closed its Tropical House out of respect for the family. Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances of the event. Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty has requested that the public avoid spreading speculation online while the inquiry continues.
