Man Arrested After 3-Year-Old Injured in Crocodile Enclosure at Cambridgeshire Zoo
Police have detained a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after a toddler was critically injured in a crocodile pen at a family-run zoo near Cambridge.
A three-year-old boy was seriously hurt on Thursday after being forced into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo outside Cambridge. Cambridgeshire Police said the suspect, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. local time.
The child was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries; police described his condition as critical but stable. Detective Inspector Verity McCann said investigators were speaking with witnesses to determine how the boy entered the enclosure and whether one or more crocodiles were involved.
The zoo announced that its Tropical House would remain closed pending the investigation and expressed sympathy for the family. The facility, which houses over 100 animals, offers paid sessions for visitors aged 16 and older to meet and feed its crocodiles.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty urged the public to avoid speculation online, noting that police would provide further updates when available.