Man arrested after boy injured in zoo crocodile enclosure

Man Detained Following Critical Injury in Zoo Crocodile Incident

Man arrested after boy injured in zoo - A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been detained by Cambridgeshire Police on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy sustained severe injuries while inside a zoo crocodile enclosure. The emergency call was received at 13:24 BST at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run attraction near Huntingdon. The boy was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in critical but stable condition, according to police updates.

Incident and Initial Response

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that the child was not known to the arrested man. Investigators are now examining whether the boy was attacked by the animals. An ambulance, rapid response vehicle, and Magpas Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene. A critical care team treated the child before transporting them to the hospital.

"A child was transported by road to hospital for further care," said a spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service.

Johnson’s of Old Hurst, which features a butchers, farm shop, tea room, steakhouse, and zoo, shared their statement: "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."

Community and Official Reactions

"My thoughts go out to the family of the little boy involved in this truly horrific incident," said Darryl Preston, the police and crime commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. "I can only begin to imagine the trauma those involved are going through."

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty expressed condolences on social media, emphasizing the need for restraint in online speculation. "My thoughts were with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time," he wrote. "I’m liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident."

Charlotte Lowe, a local council representative, described the event as "shocking" and "incredulous." She noted that the zoo, which houses over 100 animals including crocodiles, African lions, and a Bengal tiger, had safety measures in place, such as Perspex glass and secure walkways. "You don’t expect this to happen in a rural village," she added.

Zoo Enclosure Details

The crocodile enclosure is located in a converted cattle barn, with elevated walkways made of metal fencing. A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted hearing multiple sirens and an air ambulance arriving at the scene. Mike Annicelli, another local, mentioned that the enclosure includes a raised platform, with crocodiles approximately 15ft (4.5m) below. He also noted the fencing along walkways was around 4ft (1.2m) high.

Cambridgeshire Police are continuing to speak with witnesses at the zoo to clarify the circumstances. "We are working to understand more about what occurred during this distressing incident," said Det Insp Verity McCann.