Boy, 3, no longer critical after Cambridgeshire crocodile attack

A serious incident occurred at a zoo near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, where a three-year-old boy was injured after ending up in a crocodile enclosure. Authorities have since confirmed that the child is no longer in a critical state and is now reported to be in stable condition at the hospital. The police were alerted to the emergency at 13:34 BST on Thursday.

Cambridgeshire Police have arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. The man, who is believed not to have known the child, was visiting the zoo accompanied by carers and is reported to have learning disabilities. Due to his condition, he has been assessed as unfit for interview and remains on bail until 18 September.

The injured boy, who was visiting the zoo with his family, sustained severe injuries inside the crocodile enclosure and was rescued by zoo staff. Following immediate medical attention at the scene, he was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, spoke with the family involved and described them as “all very distraught.” He said, “Tracey was the first on the scene, but she was then joined by her husband Andy and their youngest son Edward. All three were involved in the rescue. All three were heroes… they’re a close-knit family and they’re still quite shaken by it.”

The zoo, known as Johnsons of Old Hurst, is located in the village of Old Hurst and features more than 100 animals, including lions and tigers. It is a fully licensed facility that also includes a farm, café, and butcher’s shop, established twenty years ago. The crocodile house, built in 2009, is housed within a converted cattle barn and features elevated walkways enclosed by metal fencing. Police have clarified that none of the crocodiles were seized or killed following the incident

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