A 30-YEAR-OLD MAN from Norfolk in England has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Huntingdonshire.
The boy is in critical condition in hospital with serious injuries after the incident, which happened just after 1pm this afternoon.
Specialist officers are supporting the boy’s family, police said.
The man and boy are not believed to be known to each other.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire Police 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.”
The crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s Zoo has been closed until further notice.
A statement posted on the zoo’s social media pages said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.
“Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice.
“If you have any questions about the incident, please direct inquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary.
“The rest of the site will remain open as normal.”
Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said he was “liaising with senior officers” regarding the incident.
On social media he wrote: “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.”