An inquiry has been initiated into the supervision of a man who was apprehended after an incident where a three-year-old boy was allegedly tossed into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo.
The young boy sustained severe injuries in an attack by at least one crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18. He is currently hospitalized and has undergone five surgeries, with his parents disclosing that they have been residing at the hospital to support his recovery.
A 30-year-old individual from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the event. Subsequently, he was granted bail as authorities determined he was not fit for questioning.
Reports suggest that the suspect has learning difficulties and was accompanied by caregivers during the outing.
Norfolk County Council has confirmed the initiation of a Section 42 investigation under the Care Act 2014. The council clarified that it was not responsible for providing, arranging, or funding the man’s care.
A Section 42 probe is activated when a local authority suspects that an adult with care and support requirements is being subjected to, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and is incapable of safeguarding themselves due to those needs.
A spokesperson from Norfolk County Council stated that the individual in question is not receiving any care services from the council. The ongoing Section 42 inquiry was acknowledged without further comment.
Johnsons of Old Hurst previously acknowledged being made aware of reports regarding a child allegedly thrown into one of their crocodile enclosures.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that the child is currently in a “stable condition” at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after being injured by a crocodile. Law enforcement responded to the zoo following a report from the ambulance service about the child’s serious injuries on June 18.
According to reports, Tracey Johnson, co-owner of the zoo, leaped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
