A man has been taken into custody on suspicion of attempting to murder after a three-year–old boy suffered serious injuries when he ended up inside a crocodile enclosure at a local zoo.
Cambridgeshire Police received the emergency call at 1:24 p.m. BST at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, located near Huntingdon. The young boy was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in critical but stable condition. According to the police, the child was seriously injured and is currently being treated there.
A 30-year–old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Officials have stated that they do not believe the man and the child had any prior connection. The police are now looking into whether the child was attacked by the animals at the scene.
A spokesperson for Johnson’s of Old Hurst expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family. They also announced that the Tropical House, which is part of the zoo, will remain closed until further notice due to respect for the family. However, the rest of the zoo will remain operational as usual.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire Police said that investigators are currently speaking to people present at the zoo during the incident to gather more information. She added that the police are supporting the child’s family at the hospital and reaffirmed their thoughts and support for the family.
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his support for the young victim and his family during this extremely difficult time. He also asked the public to avoid spreading speculation about the incident online. He mentioned that he was in contact with senior officers at Gold Command, who are treating the incident as a critical event.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, was updated by Chief Constable Simon Megicks. He expressed his deep sympathy for the family of the young boy involved in this tragic event. He said he could only begin to imagine the emotional trauma they are going through.
A spokesperson from the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and the Magpas Air Ambulance responded to the scene. They noted that the child was transported by road to the hospital for further care.
A Magpas Air Ambulance spokesperson explained that a critical care team arrived at the scene at 1:42 p.m.
and treated one patient before transporting them to the hospital. A near neighbor of the zoo, who chose not to reveal their identity, described hearing numerous sirens before the arrival of the air ambulance. They called the incident shocking.
Mike Annicelli, a 52-year–old who also lives close to the zoo, mentioned that he had previously visited the attraction.
He pointed out a raised platform in the enclosure and estimated that the crocodiles were about 15 feet (4.5 meters) below. He noted that there was fencing along the walkways, which he estimated to be around four feet (1.2 meters) high.
According to the zoo’s website, Johnson’s of Old Hurst is a family–run business that now features a butchers, a farm shop, tea room, steakhouse, and zoo. It claims to house over 100 fascinating animals, including crocodiles, African lions, and a Bengal tiger.
The crocodiles are kept in a converted cattle barn with metal–fenced elevated walkways that look down into large pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Charlotte Lowe, who represents Old Hurst on Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, expressed her shock upon hearing about the incident. She said it was incredible that something like this could happen in a rural village.
She also mentioned that safety measures were in place at the enclosure, including Perspex glass and secure walkways.
The zoo is known to be a popular attraction for visitors from all over the country. She added that the council’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young boy who is currently suffering due to the incident.
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