Boy Placed in Crocodile Enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo

On Thursday, 18 June 2026, a three-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire was found inside crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo, Huntingdon. He suffered a broken pelvis, broken arm and injuries, and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in critical condition. Police identified a 30-year-old male from Norfolk with learning disabilities who placed him in enclosure. He was arrested for attempted murder and released on bail, deemed unfit for interview.

NewsNation

13:24 BST – Police receive a call; officers arrive at 13:34 BST and rescue the boy. He is taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in critical condition. Later that afternoon – 30-year-old Norfolk suspect arrested for attempted murder, released on bail after being deemed unfit for interview. Evening – Zoo issues a statement, closes Tropical House; MP Ben Obese-Jecty posts condolences and urges public to avoid speculation.

CNN

Victim: 3-year-old boy, broken pelvis and arm, critical condition.

NewsNation

Suspect: 30-year-old male from Norfolk with learning disabilities, arrested for attempted murder, released on bail.

NewsNation

Site: Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire; crocodile enclosure (Tropical House) closed.

New York Times

Cambridgeshire Police, via Detective Inspector Verity McCann, said inquiries are ongoing, officers are interviewing witnesses, and the boy remains in critical condition. Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson expressed thoughts and prayers for the family and announced the Tropical House would stay closed. MP Ben Obese-Jecty described the incident as critical, offered condolences, and urged the public to avoid speculation.

CNN

The incident prompted the zoo to keep its Tropical House, housing the crocodiles, closed pending investigation. The facility, home to more than 100 animals and offering paid crocodile-feeding sessions for teenagers, faces scrutiny over visitor supervision. Police have not seized the crocodiles and continue gathering witness statements to determine how long the child was in the enclosure.

CNN

• “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.” — Detective Inspector Verity McCann, Cambridgeshire Police

BBC News

• “My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time,” — Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntington

CNN

• “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today,” — Andy Johnson, co-owner, Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo

CNN

• “Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice,” — Tracey Johnson, co-owner, Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo

New York Times

Sources differ on whether the boy was physically thrown into the enclosure or entered voluntarily, and on how many crocodiles were present. Police have not disclosed how long the child remained inside the enclosure, leaving the exact exposure time unknown.

BBC News