A three-year-old boy who was thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a U.K. zoo is now in stable condition after suffering serious injuries, including a shattered arm and pelvis. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on Thursday, where the child was visiting with his mother and a baby. A 30-year-old man with learning disabilities was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was released on bail until September 18 after being assessed as unfit for interview.
The boy was attacked by at least one saltwater crocodile in the enclosure, which houses around 50 reptiles, including alligators and crocodiles. Zoo co-owner Tracey Johnson and her family members jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child, pulling him to safety. The crocodiles were not seized or killed following the incident.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage of the attack, which shows the suspect lifting the boy over a security fence and throwing him into the enclosure. The man, who was visiting the zoo with carers, reportedly did not know the child. The zoo, which opened 20 years ago, includes a tropical house for the crocodiles and houses over 100 animals, including lions and tigers.