A three-year-old boy remains in critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after being injured in an incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo and farm near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The boy was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure on Thursday afternoon and suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm and pelvis.

The enclosure, which houses about 50 reptiles including Nile and saltwater crocodiles, is separated from an elevated walkway by a fence approximately four feet high. Witnesses described hearing a loud scream, and some reported seeing the boy land on concrete before rolling into the water, where he was attacked by at least one crocodile.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who is not known to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police have since released him on bail until mid-September after he was assessed as unfit for interview. It is believed the man has severe learning difficulties and was visiting the zoo as part of a group of adults with similar challenges. Several witnesses have raised concerns that the carers responsible for supervising the man were distracted and located about 30 feet away, reportedly on their phones and not paying close attention at the time of the incident.

The boy’s rescue was carried out by members of the Johnson family, who own and operate the zoo. Tracey Johnson, the co-owner, was the first to enter the enclosure, risking her safety to retrieve the child from the water. She was later joined by her husband, Andrew Johnson, and their son Edward, who assisted in freeing the boy from the reptile’s grip. The enclosure is around 15 feet deep and contains both saltwater and Nile crocodiles, species capable of causing severe injury.

Police from Cambridgeshire Constabulary are continuing their investigation, with Detective Inspector Verity McCann stating that inquiries are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances of the event. Authorities are also reviewing the role of the carers accompanying the man at the time.

The incident has drawn attention to zoo safety and supervision protocols for visitors, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved. The Johnson family and zoo staff have been commended for their quick action to save the child, while well-wishers have expressed support for the boy’s recovery. The identity of the child has not been released.