Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after boy, 3, thrown into crocodile enclosure at UK zoo
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's Zoo in Cambridgeshire, England. The child remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.
A three-year-old boy was thrown into the crocodile enclosure at Johnson's Zoo of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, shortly after 1pm on Thursday. The child suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.
The incident
Witnesses at the private zoo described scenes of horror as the child ended up in the reptile pen. Italian and Dutch media reported that the boy was picked up and dropped over a railing into the enclosure, which sits a couple of metres below a walkway. Police have not yet confirmed the exact mechanics, and are investigating whether the child was injured by the crocodiles or by the fall itself. The zoo houses over 100 exotic species including African lions, Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles.
Arrest and investigation
Cambridgeshire Police arrested the 30-year-old man shortly after the incident. He is being held on suspicion of attempted murder. Detective Inspector Verity McCann said early inquiries indicate the suspect and the child did not know each other.
Officers are interviewing visitors who were at the zoo at the time. The crocodile exhibit's Tropical House has been closed until further notice.We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
Official reactions
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty said he was liaising with senior officers at Gold Command and asked the public to avoid online speculation.
The zoo posted a statement on social media expressing sorrow:My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.
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.
Victim's condition
The three-year-old was rescued from the enclosure and flown by air ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital. Specialist officers are supporting the family. The boy's condition is described as critical but stable, with serious injuries.
