Investigation launched into carers of man arrested after boy, 3, injured in crocodile zoo attack
An investigation has been launched into the care of a man who was arrested for allegedly throwing a three-year-old child into the enclosure containing crocodiles in the zoo and causing serious injuries.
Johnsons, the Old Hurst zoo and farm store in Cambridgeshire, said in a social media post that on June 18 they were “alarmed that a child was allegedly thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures”.
The boy’s parents recently said they were “living in the hospital” and that their son had undergone five surgeries after being attacked by at least one of the reptiles.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail after police said he was “assessed unfit to appear”.
The suspect in the case reportedly had a learning disability and was on trips with caregivers.
Norfolk County Council, which did not provide any care to the man, said an investigation was under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014.
A Section 42 investigation takes place if the council believes an adult in its area has care and support needs, is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves because of these needs.
A spokesman for the council said: “The individual in question is not receiving any care provided, commissioned or paid for by Norfolk County Council.
“We can confirm that a Section 42 investigation is ongoing. We cannot comment further on the ongoing investigation.”
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy was “injured by the crocodile” and remains in a “stable condition” at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Officers were called to the zoo by the ambulance service at 1.24pm on June 18 to report that a three-year-old child had been seriously injured.
Tracey Johnson, co-owner of the zoo, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
The Johnsons, of Old Hurst, expressed their “heartfelt thanks to the visitors who came forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers”.
They said their “calm and immediate actions made a real difference.”
The event added: “We are extremely proud of our staff who intervened without hesitation and did all they could to help and support the child until emergency services became involved.
“The kindness we have received from our local community and people across the country has been overwhelming.
“Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant so much to our family and team during an incredibly difficult time.”
They continued: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time.”
It came a day after the boy’s family released a statement thanking zoo staff for saving him.
They 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.
“Our attention is focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and lengthy period.”
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