Major police update after tot, 3, ‘hurled into crocodile enclosure’ at UK zoo

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Cambridge

Police have issued an update after a toddler was “thrown into” a crocodile enclosure at a UK zoo. The horror incident happened in the Tropical House of Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Cambridge yesterday afternoon (June 18).

Zookeeper Tracey, 55, reportedly rushed to help after the unnamed boy was allegedly hurled in by a stranger. Tracey – who runs the zoo alongside husband Andy Johnson, 56 – managed to rescue the toddler despite the presence of at least two enormous Nile crocodiles.

A man in his 30s was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

In a statement this morning, Cambridgeshire Police said: “A three-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a critical but stable condition, following an incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst yesterday (Thursday June 18).

“A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail while detectives from our Major Crime Unit conduct further enquiries regarding this incident.

“The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview.

“Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries.

“The boy, who sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure, was pulled out by staff from the zoo and received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.”

Det Insp Verity McCann said: “Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

The 30-year-old man has been bailed until September 18.

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