A three-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a popular family zoo in Cambridgeshire, in a horrifying incident that has left Britain reeling.
The toddler was mauled by one of the reptiles after the sickening attack at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, shortly before 1.30 pm yesterday.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Police say he was a complete stranger to the child and his family.
Officers were called to the family-run attraction – known for its large collection of crocodiles and alligators viewable from a raised walkway – following desperate reports of a young boy 'ending up' in the pen.
Emergency services, including air ambulance, rushed to the zoo as horrified witnesses looked on. The boy suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. His devastated family are being supported by specially trained officers.
A police spokesman confirmed: 'We were called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, at 1.24pm following reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure.''He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and is in a critical but stable condition. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He is currently in custody.'
Detectives have stressed that the man and the boy were not known to each other, and they are treating the incident as a 'critical' one while appealing for witnesses.
The zoo, which also features a farm shop, butchers, a tea room, and a steakhouse, remains open, but police were seen cordoning off areas yesterday as investigations continue. A spokesperson said their 'thoughts and prayers' were with the boy and his family.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty described the event as 'truly shocking' and said he was liaising with senior officers.
This nightmare unfolded on what should have been a joyful family day out, turning a popular tourist spot into the scene of unimaginable terror. Parents across the country will be asking how such a thing could happen in broad daylight at a family attraction.
The suspect remains in custody as detectives from Cambridgeshire's major crime unit piece together the horrifying events.
