A young boy was seriously injured after he is said to have been thrown into the crocodile enclosure at a family zoo.
The incident happened at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire today.
Alarm was raised at about 1.24pm after reports that a three-year-old boy had ended up in the crocodile pen.
He was rescued from the animals and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries.
He remains in a critical but stable condition.
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Now a 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and detectives from the major crime unit are investigating the incident.
Det Insp 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.’
The species or number of crocodiles involved has not been publicly revealed.
Saltwater crocodiles, or salties, are the largest of crocodilians, and they can grow to over 19 feet.
They are known to specifically target humans for food in areas where they live in the wild, and they have one of the strongest bite force of any living animal.
Johnson’s zoo houses several crocodiles along with big cats like lions and tigers, and bears and other exotic animals.
The zoo has a focus on crocodilians, and it marked International Crocodile Day yesterday with a post on social media.
It said: ‘Crocodilians are at the very core of our history, our passion and the journey that has shaped Johnsons Zoological Gardens into what it is today.
‘These incredible animals have inspired generations of our family and continue to fascinate visitors from all over the country.’
Metro has approached Johnsons of Old Hurst for a comment.
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