A three-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Emergency services were called to the zoo at approximately 1:24 p.m. following reports that the toddler had ended up inside the crocodile enclosure. The child was subsequently rescued and transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries. The exact nature of the injuries has not been fully detailed, though local reports indicated the boy suffered a serious arm wound.

Authorities have stated they do not believe the suspect and the child were known to each other. Detective Inspector Verity McCann of Cambridgeshire Police said officers are speaking to witnesses present at the scene to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event. “We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other,” McCann said, adding the police are supporting the boy’s family during this distressing time.

The zoo, a family-run attraction that also features a farm shop, tea room, and steakhouse, announced the crocodile enclosure and its tropical house would remain closed pending further notice, citing respect for the affected family. Johnsons of Old Hurst is home to over 100 animals, including lions, Bengal tigers, and crocodiles. The enclosure involved houses large crocodiles, reportedly named Romeo and Cuddles.

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, described the incident as a “critical” situation and appealed for the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues. “This is now a live criminal investigation,” he said, expressing sympathy for the victim and his family.

Emergency response included attendance from East of England Ambulance Service and Magpas Air Ambulance. The critical care team treated the child on site before transporting him by road to the hospital.

The reasons behind the attack remain unclear as police continue their inquiries. Some eyewitnesses described a significant drop of approximately 15 feet from over the fence into the crocodile enclosure, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the incident. There have been reports that the wife of a zoo owner intervened by entering the enclosure to assist in rescuing the boy.

Cambridgeshire County Council extended its thoughts to the victim and family but declined further comment, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the event to come forward, as inquiries continue to establish a fuller understanding of what led to this unusual and serious incident.