United Kingdom

UK Man Released on Bail After Boy, 3, 'Ended Up' in Crocodile Enclosure

Is this a matter for police investigation or a failure of safety infrastructure?

Published JUN 19

UK Man Released on Bail After Boy, 3, 'Ended Up' in Crocodile Enclosure

Story

Above: Police at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire on June 18. Image credit: Joe Giddens/PA Images/Getty Images

The Facts

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy "ended up" in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo, local police in the U.K. confirmed on Thursday. An update on Friday said the man was released on bail, adding he "was assessed as not being fit for interview."
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Statements from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the arrest was made after they were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, at 1:24 p.m. local time. They did not divulge details of the incident and said their detectives are investigating, but did confirm: "We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other."
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Friday's statement said the boy, who was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries, remained in a critical but stable condition.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
It came after multiple reports suggested that the boy was allegedly thrown into the enclosure, which is reportedly 15ft below a viewing platform.
The Times (UK)
Archive
The Standard
The zoo's owner, Andy Johnson, told the BBC that his wife, Tracey, jumped into the enclosure to rescue the boy. The account appeared to be confirmed by witness testimony cited in multiple other reports, as well as Friday's update from the police force.
BBC News
The Standard
Metro
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
A statement from the zoo said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred [on Thursday]. Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice."
BBC News
Hunts Post

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

This is now a live criminal investigation and people are asked to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course. Thoughts go out to the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.

Ben Obese-Jecty MP on X

Narrative B

It is just unbelievable that something like this could have happened. With all the fences and the protective screens they have, you just think to yourself, how is this type of incident possible?