A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a young boy was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire
A zoo owner’s wife reportedly “jumped into a crocodile enclosure” to rescue a critically wounded three-year-old boy who had allegedly been thrown in by a stranger. A 30-year-old man was subsequently detained on suspicion of attempted murder following the alarming incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire.
Cambridgeshire Police revealed that officers were called at approximately 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”. A local resident, who requested anonymity, told the Press Association that zoo owner’s wife Tracey Johnson bravely entered the enclosure to rescue the youngster.
A separate local source told The Sun: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”
The young boy was subsequently rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with severe injuries, with police confirming he remained in a critical but stable condition overnight.
Authorities confirmed that a 30-year-old man from Norfolk had been taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated: “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. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”
In a social media statement, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain closed until further notice, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
The ambulance service confirmed that a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, a standard ambulance and an air ambulance were all dispatched to the scene. A uniformed officer was stationed at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle visible in the car park.
Nestled along a quiet rural lane in the village of Old Hurst, surrounded by residential properties, the zoo also features a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse on site. The attraction is home to upwards of 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats.
The crocodiles are housed within a tropical building in a converted cattle shed, while other animals occupy outdoor enclosures across the site. According to a blog post on the zoo’s website, the crocodiles were originally introduced to dispose of surplus meat from the butchery, ultimately becoming the foundation of the zoo itself.
The Johnson family has been dedicated to the care of crocodiles for the past two decades, with current owner Andy Johnson having contributed to a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, as noted on the zoo’s website. Mike Annicelli, 52, a resident living near the zoo, revealed he had previously visited the attraction and felt entirely safe there.
Recounting the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”
He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were approximately 15ft below, with fencing along the walkways standing roughly 4ft high. Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the boy came to find himself inside the crocodile enclosure.
Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “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.”
She went on to add: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty commented: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident. This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.
“The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”
Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, expressed his sympathies: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”
A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council added: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time.
“We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”
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