Johnsons of Old Hurst: Three-year-old mauled by crocodile at Cambridgeshire zoo - man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
A three-year-old child has been mauled by a crocodile at a UK zoo and a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Old Hurst, Cambridgeshire.
The boy is critical in Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries after the incident just after 1pm this afternoon at Johnsons of Old Hurst and specialist officers are supporting the boy’s family, police said. The man and boy are not believed to be known to each other.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire Police 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.”
On its website, Johnsons Zoo says it provides an “unforgettable visit”, housing more than 100, including African Lions, Bengal tigers and sloth bears. They also provide “family-friendly activities” including scenic woodland walks, a sandpit and playground.
In a post to social media, Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty, urged people to "refrain from speculation online", saying his "thoughts were with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time."