Man arrested after 3-year-old boy injured in crocodile enclosure incident
A 3-year-old boy is in critical condition after entering a crocodile enclosure
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 3-year-old boy suffered critical injuries after entering a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in eastern England, police said.
The “distressing incident” took place Thursday afternoon at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run farm and zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, ABC News reported.
Cambridgeshire Police said the child “ended up in the crocodile enclosure” and was rushed to hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Police launch attempted murder investigation
A 30-year-old man, described as a stranger to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said officers are speaking to witnesses to understand how the child entered the enclosure.
“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,” she said. “We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Zoo closes reptile area after incident
Johnsons of Old Hurst confirmed its tropical house, which contains crocodiles and other reptiles, will remain closed until further notice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today,” the zoo said in a statement shared on social media.
Local officials and the area’s Member of Parliament, Ben Obese-Jecty, also expressed concern and urged restraint from speculation as investigations continue.
