Man released on bail after boy, three, critically injured in zoo crocodile enclosure | UK news

A man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old child was left in a crocodile enclosure has been released because he was unfit to be interviewed, police said.

Cambridgeshire Police said the 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, was released on bail while detectives from its major crime unit investigated further.

The force said officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire at 1.24pm on Thursday due to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy who found himself in the crocodile enclosure”.

The child was removed from the closed area by zoo staff. Police said the man was taken to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and was in a critical but stable condition.

DI Verity McCann said: “Our inquiries continue as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts are with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

The 30-year-old man, who was unknown to the victim, was released on bail until September 18.

A villager, who wished to remain anonymous, told PA Media that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Chris Newman, director of the National Center for Reptile Welfare, said Johnson showed extraordinary courage.

He told the BBC: “I know Tracey very well and she is a lovely woman and this is nothing more than I expected from her.

“She would always risk her life to save someone else. She is an extraordinary lady and very brave.”

He said he was told Johnson was not injured.

“He put himself in great danger… I’m not sure if he got up and jumped when this happened or if he was down there doing something with the animals,” he said.

In a statement posted on social media, the Johnsons said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and his family following the incident that occurred today.

“Out of respect for the family, our tropical home will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions regarding the incident, please direct them to Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

“The rest of the site will remain open as normal.”

According to its website, the zoo is home to “more than 100 fascinating animals,” including African lions, Bengal tigers and crocodiles. The zoo’s Facebook page states that the two largest alligators in the zoo are named Romeo and Cuddles.

Huntingdonshire district councilor Charlotte Lowe said she “could not understand” how the boy ended up in the crocodile sanctuary.

Speaking outside the entertainment area on Thursday, Warboys ward councilor Lowe said: “I can’t understand how this happened because there’s all the necessary protection and safety equipment there, to put it better.”

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty said he was in contact with senior officials who treated the situation as a critical incident.

“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from online speculation,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the young victim and his family at what is an extremely traumatic and difficult time.”