Major update after boy, 3, ‘thrown into crocodile enclosure’ at UK zoo | UK | News
A three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile sanctuary on June 18 (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A security investigation has been launched at a zoo in England into the care of a man accused of throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile cage. Norfolk County Council confirmed it had opened a Section 42 protection investigation into whether the 30-year-old disabled care recipient had been subjected to abuse or neglect.
The development follows his arrest on suspicion of attempted murder on June 18 following the Johnsons of Old Hurst incident in Cambridgeshire. The child suffered serious injuries after allegedly being thrown into an enclosure with at least 15 alligators; At least one of the reptiles attacked him before zoo staff rescued him.
The suspect, who visited the leisure center with two carers, was released on police bail after officers deemed him unfit for questioning.
Following the incident, police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. (Image: Getty)
Accordingly TelegramDetectives from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Unit are examining CCTV footage from the zoo and are also examining the role of the man’s keepers at the time of the incident.
A source claimed that the keepers tried to leave the zoo with the suspect while staff rescued the injured child.
“They tried to get him into the car. Another staff member was there and stopped them from leaving,” they said.
Norfolk County Council said it was also pausing referrals to the relevant healthcare provider while wider checks are carried out.
A spokesman said the authority was working with health and care partners “to identify and review all individuals receiving care from this provider and ensure that the care they receive is of the quality and consistency they expect and deserve.”
Section 42 investigations are statutory investigations carried out under the Care Act to determine whether an adult receiving care is experiencing abuse or neglect or is at risk of such abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves.
Although the suspect lived in Norfolk, the council said his care was not commissioned, funded or provided by the authority.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also confirmed it had been notified of the incident.
A spokesman said: “CQC is liaising with relevant agencies to understand whether there is any regulatory action it needs to take.”
Earlier this week, the injured boy’s family thanked zoo staff for their quick action and said they saved his life.
His grandmother said the teenager was in stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital but faced a “long road to recovery”.
He said his parents were by his side and supported him during his physical and psychological recovery.
A fundraising page launched to support the boy’s rehabilitation has raised more than £22,000.
Following the incident, Huntingdonshire District Council carried out an inspection of the zoo and concluded there were no health and safety concerns requiring official sanction.
The official said environmental health officials were satisfied the incident had been isolated and confirmed the zoo would be subject to routine inspection under the Zoo Licensing Act later this year.
