Family of boy attacked by crocodile thank Cambridgeshire zoo staff

The family of a 3-year-old boy who was seriously injured when he fell into the crocodile enclosure thanked zoo staff for saving their child.

According to information obtained by the BBC, the boy was attacked by at least one crocodile following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18.

In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police, the family said: “We would like to thank the zoo staff who rescued our son from the enclosure… our attention is focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and lengthy period.”

Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and released him on bail.

Police said the child was in a stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The family’s statement added: “We are truly grateful to everyone directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital, as well as the public support and good wishes we have received.”

Police said the boy, who was from Cambridgeshire and visiting the zoo with his family, was seriously injured “in a confined space” and was taken out by zoo staff.

A spokesman for the force said: “A fundraising page has been set up to support the boy’s recovery and rehabilitation, as well as providing the family with financial stability whilst supporting him in hospital and over the coming months.”

Police said the family wishes to remain anonymous.

The zoo, located on a farm in Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, has more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers and meerkats.

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