Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after boy, 3, 'ended up in crocodile enclosure' at zoo

A police investigation is underway following the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Old Hurst. on Thursday, June 18.

The boy – who police believe is not known to the arrested man – is in a critical but stable condition after suffering serious injuries, police have said.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure.

“The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical but stable. Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.

“A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder. Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating.”

Det Insp 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.”