A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy suffered critical injuries inside a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's of Old Hurst zoo, near Huntingdon.

Cambridgeshire Police were called to the scene at approximately 13:24 BST on Monday. The young boy was transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he is currently in a critical but stable condition.

Investigators stated that they do not believe the arrested man and the child were known to each other. Detective Inspector Verity McCann confirmed that officers are interviewing witnesses present at the zoo during the "distressing incident" to piece together the circumstances. The police are also examining whether the boy was attacked by the animals within the enclosure.

Authorities are treating the incident as a critical incident. The Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, expressed his thoughts for the "young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time," urging the public to avoid online speculation. He is in communication with senior officers involved in the investigation.

The zoo, Johnson's of Old Hurst, confirmed that its Tropical House would be closed "until further notice" out of respect for the family. The rest of the zoo site remains open. A spokesperson for the zoo stated that their "thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family."

Darryl Preston, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's police and crime commissioner, reported being briefed on the "truly horrific incident" by Chief Constable Simon Megicks. He conveyed his sympathies to the family, acknowledging the immense trauma they must be experiencing.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene. The source material describes the crocodile enclosure as being housed in a converted cattle barn, featuring elevated walkways with metal fencing.

Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary is directing any inquiries regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on understanding the sequence of events that led to the child's injuries and his presence within the crocodile enclosure.