Man, 30, accused of throwing child into crocodile pit declared ‘not fit for interview’ and released
A man from Norfolk suspected of throwing a toddler into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire has been bailed by police due to not being "fit for interview".
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The 30-year-old man, who has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with a carer, has been bailed until September 18.
Officers were called to the family-run Johnson's of Old Hurst near Huntingdon at 1.24pm on Thursday to reports that a three-year-old boy had been injured.
The boy, who was not known to the man, was pulled out by staff and received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.
It is understood that he was attacked by at least one crocodile after he was allegedly thrown into the enclosure.
He remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
Yesterday, it was reported that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to save the child.
A local told The Sun: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped into the enclosure to save the child.”
One villager said they saw staff at the zoo hugging each other and some were in tears after the incident.
In a social media post, the zoo said it remains open but the Tropical House is closed until further notice.
They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
Johnsons is home to more than 100 animals, 'from majestic African lions and Bengal tigers to incredible crocodiles, delightful sloth bears and many more'.
Det Insp Verity McCann said: “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.”
Councillor Charlotte Lowe said: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”
Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives close to the zoo and has previously visited the crocodile enclosure, said of the enclosure: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”
He said there was a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were about 15ft below and that there was fencing along walkways which he estimated was about 4ft high.
