Three-year-old boy critically injured after ending up in crocodile enclosure as man arrested

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy suffered critical injuries in an incident involving a crocodile enclosure.

Cambridgeshire Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo, near Huntingdon, at 1.24 pm earlier this afternoon (18 June).

The boy was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries and is now in a stable condition.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said they do not believe the man and the child were known to each other.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "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."

McCann added: "We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy's family at the hospital, and our thoughts remain with them."

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and Magpas Air Ambulance attended the scene.

"A child was transported by road to hospital for further care," they added.

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty has since issued a statement on social media, saying that his 'thoughts were with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time' and urged people to 'refrain from speculation online'.

Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-owned zoo with its website describing itself as 'a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens located in the heart of the countryside'.

Its zoo houses more than 100 animals, 'from majestic African lions and Bengal tigers to incredible crocodiles, delightful sloth bears and many more'.

Tyla has reached out to Johnson's Zoo for comment.