Man Released After Arrest in Crocodile Enclosure Incident
Cambridgeshire police have announced that a 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident involving a three-year-old boy at a zoo crocodile enclosure has been released as he is not fit to be interviewed.
The man, who is from Norfolk and not known to the victim, has been bailed while detectives from the major crimes unit continue their inquiries. The bail is set until 18 September.
Incident Details and Response
Officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire at 1:24 pm on Thursday after reports that a three-year-old boy had ended up in the crocodile enclosure. Zoo staff promptly pulled the boy out of the enclosure.
The child was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition, according to police.
DI Verity McCann said: “Our inquiries 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.”
Community and Official Reactions
A local villager, who wished to remain anonymous, informed that Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, jumped into the crocodile enclosure in an attempt to rescue the child.
In a statement posted on social media, the Johnson family expressed their concern:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.
Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct inquiries to Cambridgeshire police constabulary.
The rest of the site will remain open as normal.”
According to the zoo’s website, Johnsons of Old Hurst is home to over 100 animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers, and crocodiles. The zoo’s two largest crocodiles are named Romeo and Cuddles, as noted on their Facebook page.
Charlotte Lowe, a Huntingdonshire district councillor for Warboys ward, expressed disbelief about how the boy ended up in the crocodile enclosure, stating:
“I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, confirmed he has been in communication with senior officers treating the case as a critical incident. He urged the public to avoid speculation online and offered his sympathies:
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online,”
“My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”
