Police confirm man arrested after child, 3, thrown into crocodile enclosure has 'learning difficulties'
Police have issued an update on the man who was arrested yesterday for throwing a three-year-old child into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed yesterday that a 30-year-old man was in custody after the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, which saw the toddler taken to hospital with serious injuries, which have left him in a critical but stable condition.
However, the latest update has suggested that the man was not fit for interview and has been released on bail ahead of further investigations into the incident, which could have been far worse if not for the heroic actions of Tracey Johnson, who is said to have jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “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.
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“The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview.”
It is reported by The Sun and Eastern Daily Press that the reason for the man not being fit for interview is that he has learning difficulties.
It remains unclear at this stage, however, if the boy was actually attacked by the crocodiles living in the enclosure, before he was dragged out by Johnson, who owns the zoo with her husband.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course.
“My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”
Locals added that it would have been impossible for the boy to fall in by accident, while another told The Sun that the boy's injuries were from the fall, rather from the huge Nile crocodiles which live inside the enclosure.
Johnson’s of Old Hurst said in a statement: "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.
Det Insp Verity McCann added in this morning's statement: “Our enquiries 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 30-year-old man has been bailed until September 18.
LADbible Group has contacted Johnsons Zoo for comment.
Topics: UK News
James Moorhouse