Police have released a man on bail after a three-year-old boy was seriously injured in an alleged crocodile enclosure incident at a zoo in the UK.
The incident happened at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire, England, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, after the child ended up in the crocodile enclosure. Police have said the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Cambridgeshire Police said a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Officers later said he was considered ‘unfit for interview’ and has since been bailed until September 18.
Police have also stated that they do not think the suspect is known to the injured child.
The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Investigators have not publicly confirmed how the child got into the enclosure, and police have urged people not to speculate while inquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said:
“Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
The zoo’s crocodile area has been shut for the time being ‘due to respect for the family’. Police have confirmed the animals were neither destroyed nor removed from the site.
Johnsons of Old Hurst, which also keeps animals such as Bengal tigers and African lions, said its Tropical House would remain closed until further notice.
A spokesperson for the zoo said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.
“Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.”
According to reports, Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, entered the enclosure in an effort to help the child.
Speaking on BBC Four’s Today programme, a friend of Johnson said:
“Frankly it’s nothing short [of what] I would expect of her, that’s exactly what she would do. She’s a very brave, very strong lady.
“I don’t know which enclosure it was, but I mean it’s about a 15 ft drop, so for her to get into their that quickly and save the child is, you know… just a remarkable act of bravery.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow also commented on the case.
He said:
“I have spoken with senior police figures following the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. It is being treated as a critical incident.”
“This is a live police investigation – I would ask that people refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update in due course,” Bristow continued.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the young victim and his family.”
The zoo has been approached for further comment.