A three-year-old boy is in a critical but stable condition after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire, as a 30-year-old man has been arrested
A zoo owner’s wife leapt into a crocodile enclosure in a desperate bid to rescue a seriously injured three-year-old boy who was allegedly hurled in by a stranger.
Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after being called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police said.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, leapt into the enclosure in an attempt to rescue the youngster.
A villager said: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”
The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains critical but stable, the force confirmed. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”
In a social media statement, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain shut until further notice. They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
The ambulance service confirmed that an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance were sent to the scene. A uniformed officer was standing guard at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle parked nearby in the car park.
The zoo sits off a quiet, tree-lined country lane in the village of Old Hurst, surrounded by residential properties, and also boasts a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse on site.
The attraction is home to over 100 animals, amongst them lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats. The crocodiles are housed inside a tropical building within a converted cattle shed, while other animals are kept in outdoor enclosures.
The Johnson family has been caring for and working with crocodiles for the past two decades. Current owner Andy Johnson has been involved in producing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.
Neighbour Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives near the zoo, said he had visited before and felt perfectly safe there. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”
He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were roughly 15ft below, adding that fencing ran along the walkways, which he believed stood around 4ft high.
Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the young boy ended up inside the crocodile enclosure.
Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.” She went on to say: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”
Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”
Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”
A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”
