Man Arrested After Child Injured in Crocodile Enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst

A horrifying incident at a Cambridgeshire zoo has left a young boy fighting for his life and a man under arrest. Discover the unsettling details.

A shocking incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon has left a three-year-old boy with critical injuries and a 30-year-old man from Norfolk under arrest on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident, which occurred at approximately 13:24 BSThas sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.

The young boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries sustained in the zoo’s Tropical Housewhich houses crocodiles. The boy is currently in a critical but stable condition. Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed they are investigating whether the child was attacked by the animals and have stated that they do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

The Incident and Immediate Response

Emergency Services, including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, and the Magpas Air Ambulanceattended the scene. A critical care team from the air ambulance treated the child at the scene before transporting him to the hospital.

A near neighbor of the zoo described hearing a lot of sirens followed by the arrival of the air ambulance, calling the incident shocking.

Det Insp Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire Police stated that they are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of the incident to understand the circumstances better. She emphasized that officers are supporting the boy’s family at the hospital, and their thoughts remain with them. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also expressed his thoughts and prayers for the young victim and his family, urging people to refrain from speculation online.

The Zoo and Its Safety Measures

Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-run farming business that has evolved into a popular attraction featuring a butchers, a farm shop, a tea room, a steakhouse, and a zoo. The zoo houses over 100 fascinating animals, including crocodiles, African lions, and a Bengal tiger. The crocodiles are kept in a converted cattle barn with metal-fenced elevated walkways looking down on large pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.

According to local resident Mike Annicelliwho has visited the attraction, the enclosure has a raised platform with the crocodiles estimated to be about 15ft (4.5m) below. He mentioned that there is fencing along the walkways, which he estimated to be around 4ft (1.2m) high. Charlotte Lowewho represents Old Hurst on Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, confirmed that the enclosure had safety measures in place, including Perspex glass and secure walkways.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The incident has left the local community in disbelief. Darryl PrestonCambridgeshire and Peterborough’s police and crime commissioner, expressed his thoughts and prayers for the family of the little boy involved in this truly horrific incident. He stated that he could only begin to imagine the trauma those involved are going through.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Johnsons of Old Hurst expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family. They announced that out of respect for the family, the Tropical House will remain closed until further notice. The rest of the site will remain open as normal. They also directed any inquiries about the incident to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this distressing event. The community continues to rally around the affected family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.