A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries following an incident at a zoo in Cambridgeshire, according to police, as reported by The Guardian.
As reported by The Guardian, Cambridgeshire Police said officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Huntingdonshire at approximately 1.24 pm on Thursday following reports involving a young child who ended up inside a crocodile enclosure.
The three-year-old boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he is being treated for serious injuries. Police described his condition as critical but stable.
Authorities confirmed that a 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said investigators are working to establish exactly what happened and whether the child and the suspect had any prior connection.
“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other,” DI Verity McCann said in a statement.
“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.”
According to The Guardian, police are also investigating whether the child was attacked by any of the animals within the enclosure. Reports cited by the publication suggest the boy may have been thrown into the crocodile enclosure.
Witnesses at the scene described frantic rescue efforts following the incident.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press Association that Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo owner, jumped into the enclosure in an attempt to save the child.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the zoo after the alarm was raised.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, confirmed he had been in contact with senior police officers overseeing the response.
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online,” he said.
“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.”
Following the incident, Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo issued a statement on social media expressing concern for the child and his family.
The zoo said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
“Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct inquiries to Cambridgeshire police constabulary.”
“The rest of the site will remain open as normal.”
The statement highlighted the zoo’s intention to cooperate fully with authorities while respecting the privacy of those involved.
Several visitors present at the zoo described the moments immediately after the incident.
Pete Lewis, who was on-site at the time, told The Telegraph that he witnessed the aftermath of the rescue.
“I did see the boy being carried out.”
“It appeared that staff or members of the public had gone into the enclosure to rescue the boy and almost certainly prevented further injury.”
Lewis recalled the chaotic scenes that unfolded after someone entered a nearby tea room asking for help.
“Next thing we knew, staff were coming from all directions and a truck or a buggy was rushing around, and then a guy carried the poor lad out and put him on a trailer to administer first aid.”
He added that initial reports suggested the child had fallen into the crocodile enclosure.
A local resident speaking to The Sun claimed the child suffered significant injuries but may have avoided a direct attack from the crocodiles.
“Apparently the boy has a broken pelvis and a broken arm, but thankfully the crocodile didn’t actually get to him.”
Police have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the child's injuries or whether the animals made contact with him.
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple emergency units attended the incident.
A spokesperson said an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and a Magpas Air Ambulance were dispatched to the zoo.
“A child was transported by road to hospital for further care.”
Emergency personnel worked alongside zoo staff and police officers to stabilize the child before his transfer to hospital.
Cambridgeshire County Council also acknowledged the incident.
A spokesperson stated:
“Our thoughts are with the victim and their family, but, as this is a live police investigation, we cannot comment any further.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte Lowe, a district councillor representing the Warboys ward in Huntingdonshire, expressed shock over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Speaking outside the attraction, Lowe questioned how a child could have gained access to the enclosure given the zoo’s safety measures.
“I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”
According to The Guardian, investigators are continuing to gather witness statements and examine evidence to determine exactly how the incident unfolded.
Police are appealing to anyone who was present at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo at the time of the incident to come forward with information that may assist the investigation.
The zoo, located in Huntingdonshire, is home to more than 100 animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers, and crocodiles. According to the attraction’s social media pages, its two largest crocodiles are named Romeo and Cuddles.
As authorities continue their inquiries, the focus remains on the recovery of the young boy and establishing the full circumstances behind what police have described as a highly distressing incident.