Police Say Suspect Was Not Known to Child and Was Deemed Unfit for Interview
A 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a British zoo has been released on bail as investigators continue to examine the shocking incident.
Cambridgeshire Police said the Norfolk man was released until Sept. 18 after being assessed as “not fit for interview.” Authorities also confirmed he was not known to the child.
The arrest followed a disturbing incident Thursday afternoon at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire, where police say a three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after ending up inside a crocodile enclosure.
Child Remains Hospitalized
The boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in critical but stable condition, according to police.
Witnesses told British media the child had been viewing the reptiles from a raised walkway when the suspect allegedly lifted him over a safety barrier and threw him roughly 15 feet into the enclosure below.
Reports indicate the habitat housed more than a dozen crocodiles, including Nile crocodiles.
At least one crocodile reportedly attacked the child before zoo staff were able to intervene.
Zoo Staff Credited With Rescue
Witnesses credited zoo owner and zookeeper Tracey Johnson with rushing into the enclosure and helping pull the injured child to safety.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 1:24 p.m., according to police. The boy received treatment at the scene before being transported to the hospital.
While authorities have not publicly released details about his injuries, witness accounts cited by British media described significant trauma, including a broken arm and pelvis.
Police Continue Major Crime Investigation
In a statement, Cambridgeshire Police said detectives from the Major Crime Unit remain actively engaged in the investigation.
“A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail while detectives from our Major Crime Unit conduct further enquiries regarding this incident,” police said.
Police added that the suspect was not known to the victim and had been deemed unfit for questioning at the time of his arrest.
Several local residents told reporters the suspect appeared to be part of an organized group visit to the zoo and was accompanied by caregivers, though police have not commented publicly on those reports.
The reptile area was closed following the incident as investigators interviewed zoo staff and gathered evidence. No motive has been publicly disclosed.
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