UK police have arrested a man on attempted murder charges after a 3-year-old child fell into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo, sustaining serious injuries and currently receiving hospital treatment.
On 18 Jun 2026 GMT+7, UK police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on attempted murder charges after a 3-year-old boy fell into the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo, suffering critical injuries.
Cambridgeshire police reported they were alerted to the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon at 13:24 BST. The boy was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical but stable condition.
Police added they believe the suspect and the boy did not know each other. Investigators are working to determine whether the boy was attacked by the crocodile or injured solely from the fall.
Local residents told media the crocodile enclosure features a raised platform estimated at about 15 feet (4.5 meters) deep, with a walkway fence approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) high.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire police said, “At this stage, we are speaking with those present at the zoo during this distressing incident to better understand the sequence of events.”
“We do not believe the arrested man and the child knew each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at the hospital, and we continue to send them our thoughts.”
Ben Obese-Jakti, the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, posted on social media: “My thoughts are with the young victim and their family during this difficult and deeply upsetting time,” urging the public to “refrain from speculation online.”
Source:bbc