A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire. The 30-year-old suspect was bailed hours later after police determined he was not fit for interview.
Witnesses reported that the suspect's carers attempted to place him in a car and leave the zoo shortly after the incident. Zoo staff reportedly intervened to prevent their departure. The suspect, who is described as disabled, was with his carers at the time, who were reportedly distracted and using their phones, according to witnesses. One witness stated the carers were about ten meters behind the man when he picked up the boy.
The child suffered a shattered arm and pelvis after landing on concrete within the enclosure and being bitten by at least one saltwater crocodile. He is in stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The zoo's co-owner, Tracey Johnson, along with her husband Andy and son Edward, entered the enclosure to rescue the boy.
Medical Records Breach Investigation
Separately, an investigation has been launched after up to 40 NHS hospital staff reportedly accessed the boy's medical records. Cambridge University Hospitals stated that robust disciplinary action would be taken against any staff found to have accessed patient records without a legitimate clinical or operational reason. The hospital has implemented restrictions on the boy's medical records and notified the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
This incident follows similar breaches where NHS staff accessed the medical records of the Princess of Wales and victims of terror attacks in Southport and Nottingham. At least 12 people were sacked and over 50 disciplined in those cases.
Zoo Incident Details
The incident occurred last Thursday when the three-year-old boy was reportedly lifted over a four-foot security fence and thrown approximately 15 feet into the enclosure, which houses at least 15 crocodiles and alligators, including two Nile crocodiles. The boy landed on concrete before entering the water. Experts warned that crocodiles would bite instinctively if a person landed on or near them, with even an investigatory bite being potentially catastrophic.
The Johnsons, who have owned the zoo since 2011, with crocodiles initially used for disposing of waste meat from their butchery, expressed their thoughts and prayers were with the boy and his family. The zoo is now home to over 100 animals.