A 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly forcing a 3-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a farm and zoo in Huntingdon, England. The child sustained critical injuries, including a broken arm and pelvis, and is in stable condition.
The suspect was released from custody on Friday and remains on bail until September 30 pending further investigation. Cambridgeshire police stated that the man was assessed as not fit for interview.
Authorities confirmed the man is not known to the victim. The incident occurred at the zoo's tropical house, which will remain closed indefinitely.
Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo's owner, rescued the child from the enclosure, reportedly putting herself in immense danger. A local resident described Johnson as a "lovely lady" who would "always put her own life at risk to save someone else."
The zoo owners expressed their "thoughts and prayers" for the boy and his family on social media.
Johnsons of Old Hurst is located north of London. Local councillor Charlotte Lowe expressed disbelief at how the incident occurred, citing the zoo's safety equipment.