Zoo owner's wife 'jumped into crocodile enclosure' after boy, 3, thrown in

The wife of a zoo owner jumped into a crocodile enclosure after a three-year-old boy was thrown into it.

Cambridgeshire Police were called out to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, to reports of ‘an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure’.

The boy was rushed to hospital with ‘serious injuries’ and a 30-year-old man, who is reportedly unknown to the child, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A villager who did not want to be named told the Press Association that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, heroically jumped in to try to save the child.

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And a local told The Sun: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”

The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is ‘critical but stable’ according to police.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”

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.

"If you have any questions about the incident, please direct enquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary.

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"The rest of the site will remain open as normal. Thank you."

The website states that it is 'a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens located in the heart of the countryside'.

Its zoo is home to more than 100 animals, 'from majestic African lions and Bengal tigers to incredible crocodiles, delightful sloth bears and many more'.

Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives close to the zoo, told the Press Association that the enclosure is on a raised platform, with the crocodiles about 15ft below.

“Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals,” he said.

A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst.

“Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time.

“We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police.

“We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”