Safety · Huntingdon and Cambridge
Man arrested after 3-year-old boy thrown into crocodile enclosure at UK zoo; owner's wife rescues him
A 3-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition after a man allegedly threw him into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo. The owner's wife, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to rescue him.
AI text based on reports by Blesk.cz, Il Messaggero, Irish Independent and other publishers. Changed . How it is made
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In brief
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but later bailed after police deemed him unfit for interview due to mental health issues.
Tracey Johnson, the zoo's co-owner, jumped into the crocodile enclosure and pulled the boy to safety, preventing further injury.
The boy remains in hospital with critical but stable injuries, including suspected fractures of the arm and pelvis.
Police are speaking with witnesses and analyzing forensic evidence; the zoo remains closed.
- 18 JunBoy is treated on site, then taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in critical but stable condition.
- 18 JunA 30-year-old man from Norfolk is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
- 19 JunPolice release the man on bail until 18 September after assessing him as unfit for interview; zoo closes tropical pavilion.
The incident
On Thursday afternoon, a 3-year-old boy ended up in the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Police were called to reports of a distressing incident. A man had allegedly thrown the child into the water among the crocodiles. The zoo's tropical pavilion was immediately closed.
Heroic rescue
Tracey Johnson (55), co-owner of the zoo, did not hesitate. She jumped into the enclosure and pulled the boy out of the water. Witness Pete Lewis said
“I did see the boy being carried out. It appeared that staff or members of the public had gone into the enclosure to rescue him and almost certainly prevented further injury.”
The boy's condition
The child suffered serious injuries, including a fractured arm and pelvis, and may have been attacked by at least one crocodile. He received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Suspect released
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, unknown to the boy, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Thursday. Detective Inspector Verity McCann said
“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.”
Investigation ongoing
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said
“Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family, and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
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Sources and context
- Blesk.czPodivín hodil chlapce (3) mezi krokodýly: Skočila pro něj majitelka zoo
- Il MessaggeroBimbo gettato fra coccodrilli nello zoo, il sospettato rilasciato su cauzione. "Ha gravi problemi psichici, non può essere interrogato"
- Irish IndependentZookeeper jumped into crocodile pit to rescue toddler who was allegedly thrown in
- NEWS 24/7Βρετανία: Ελεύθερος ο άνδρας που κατηγορείται ότι πέταξε αγοράκι σε κλουβί με κροκόδειλους
- Tracey Johnson
- Co-owner of Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo who jumped into the crocodile enclosure to rescue the boy.
- Verity McCann
- Detective Inspector at Cambridgeshire Constabulary leading the investigation.
- Pete Lewis
- A visitor at the zoo who witnessed the aftermath and staff's rescue efforts.
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