A three-year-old boy has sustained critical injuries after being attacked by a crocodile at a zoo in Cambridgeshire, England. The incident occurred on Thursday at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon.

Police were called to the scene at 13:34 BST. The boy, who is from Cambridgeshire, was visiting the zoo with his family. He was in an enclosure with crocodiles and was pulled out by zoo staff. He received medical attention at the scene before being transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Authorities confirmed the boy was attacked by at least one crocodile. Cambridgeshire Police stated that their inquiries are ongoing to understand the full circumstances of the incident. Det Insp Verity McCann said that specialist officers are supporting the boy and his family. The crocodiles involved have not been seized or killed.

The zoo's Tropical House, which contains the crocodile enclosure, has been closed following the incident. A spokesperson for Johnsons of Old Hurst expressed their thoughts and prayers were with the boy and his family.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Police have since bailed the man, who is from Norfolk, stating he was unfit for interview due to his physical or mental state. He was reportedly at the zoo with carers and has learning disabilities. He was not part of an organised group visit.

One witness reported seeing a man in his late 20s, accompanied by two women who appeared to be carers, approximately ten minutes before the incident. The witness overheard a conversation where one of the carers asked, "Should we go to the crocodile house next?" and the man replied, "Yeah."

Police are working to determine how long the boy was inside the enclosure. The zoo houses crocodiles in a converted cattle barn, featuring elevated walkways with metal fencing. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and supervision at the facility.

This distressing event underscores the inherent risks associated with wildlife enclosures, even in controlled environments. Authorities continue their investigation, focusing on establishing the sequence of events and any contributing factors that led to the child ending up in the crocodile enclosure.