An inquiry has been initiated into the supervision of a man who was apprehended after a young child was purportedly tossed into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, resulting in severe injuries to the three-year-old boy from being attacked by a crocodile on June 18. The child is currently hospitalized, having undergone five surgeries, while his parents have been residing at the hospital during his recuperation.
A 30-year-old individual from Norfolk was detained on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Subsequently, he was released on bail as authorities deemed him unfit for questioning. The man, who reportedly has learning challenges, was accompanied by caregivers on the outing.
Norfolk County Council has confirmed the launch of a Section 42 investigation under the Care Act 2014. Emphasizing that they were not responsible for the man’s care provision, commissioning, or payment, the council explained that a Section 42 inquiry is initiated when an adult with care and support requirements is believed to be experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect due to their inability to safeguard themselves.
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council stated that the individual was not under their care provision and confirmed the ongoing Section 42 inquiry without further elaboration. Johnsons of Old Hurst acknowledged being informed about the child allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure.
The child remains in a “stable condition” at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after sustaining injuries from the crocodile. Police responded to the zoo following a report from the ambulance service regarding the serious incident involving the toddler. Tracey Johnson, the zoo’s co-owner, reportedly intervened by entering the enclosure to rescue the child.