A three-year-old boy was hurled into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger at a Cambridgeshire zoo on Friday, in what police are treating as a suspected attempted murder.
Officers arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who detectives say is not believed to be known to the child, on suspicion of attempted murder.
Cambridgeshire Police said emergency crews were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, shortly before 1.30pm after reports that the toddler had been thrown into the reptile pen.
The child was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition, according to authorities.
A significant police presence remained at the zoo in the aftermath of what officials described as a “hugely traumatic” event. Specially trained officers are providing support to the boy’s family at the hospital.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “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.”
‘We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
‘Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.’
A three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger at a zoo in Cambridgeshire today. Pictured: A file image of a crocodile at the zoo
File image of the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst
Members at the public stand near the Crocodile enclosure at Johnsons Zoo in Huntingdon (stock image)
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-owned zoo with a farm shop, tea room and steakhouse
Cambridgeshire Police said officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, just before 1.30pm today. (File image of crocodile at the enclosure)
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘We dispatched an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and the Magpas air ambulance to the scene.
‘A child was transported by road to hospital for further care.’
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, said: ‘I am aware of the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
‘This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. 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.’
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-owned zoo with a farm shop, tea room and steakhouse.
It describes itself as ‘a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens located in the heart of the countryside’.
The zoo houses more than 100 animals, ‘from majestic African lions and Bengal tigers to incredible crocodiles, delightful sloth bears and many more’.
The facility also boasts 12.5 acres of woodland and 320 acres of permanent pasture, which serve as home to their cattle and deer.
The zoo is run by fourth-generation farmer Andy Johnson and his wife Tracey, who have two sons, George and Edward.
He became fascinated with crocodilians during a trip to Florida and adopted several from a private collector.
On its website, the zoo states that its conservation led the family to have ‘a particular fascination with crocodiles’.
The site now has a collection of crocodiles and alligators, which are primarily used to dispose of waste meat.
The crocodiles and alligators are housed in a former cattle shed by Mr Johnson, who once said he planned to be fed to the animals when he dies.
They have cared for and been involved with crocodiles for two decades.
At one point, Mr Johnson himself took part in composing a European dossier on farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians.
‘Crocodile ranching (farming) has been successful in the recovery of the conservation status of many crocodilian species,’ their website states.
‘It also provides a sustainable alternative to the overfishing of our oceans which is currently unsustainable.
‘We are hoping to continue to develop our crocodile farm here at Johnsons of Old Hurst to be a part of this remarkable conservational effort
The zoo has also featured on an episode of ITV’s Britain’s Tiger Kings with Ross Kemp.
Visitors can take part in animal experiences, including crocodile feeding, which is for people aged 16 and over and costs £80 for one person and £120 for two.
The Daily Mail has approached Johnsons of Old Hurst for comment.
