Three year-old boy injured in crocodile enclosure at zoo
It happened at at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire
Last updated 4 hours ago
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three year-old boy has been injured after ending up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire.
Officers were called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire at 1.24pm to reports of an incident involving a three year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure.
The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical, but stable.
Specially-trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.
A 30 year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating.
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.”
In a post on social media, the zoo said its thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family., adding that out of respect the Tropical House will be closed until further notice.
MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, 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.”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Our thoughts are with the victim and their family but as this is a live police investigation, we cannot comment any further.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, said: “My thoughts go out to the family of the little boy involved in this truly horrific incident. I can only begin to imagine the trauma those involved are going through.
“While I have been fully briefed by the Chief Constable (Simon Megicks, Cambridgeshire Constabulary), I would like to remind everyone that this is an ongoing operational issue and therefore I am not able to comment any further at this stage.”
According to its website, Johnson’s of Old Hurst is a family-run farming business, which now features a butchers, a farm shop, tea room, steakhouse and zoo.
The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, meerkats and crocodiles.
Photo licensed under Creative Commons, sourced from: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7750169