Toddler in Critical Condition After Crocodile Incident at UK Zoo

A toddler remains in critical condition following an injury by a crocodile inside an enclosure at a zoo in the United Kingdom. British police reported the incident on Friday.

The three-year-old was rescued by staff from the crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst Zoo in Cambridgeshire, southern England, on Thursday and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital.

The circumstances leading to the child’s entry into the enclosure remain unclear. However, police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The man, who reportedly has no connection to the victim, was deemed unfit for an interview according to Cambridgeshire police. He was later released on bail as the investigation continues.

Police confirmed the boy suffered serious injuries but is in a critical yet stable condition. Detective Inspector Verity McCann expressed, “Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family. Specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

“Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.”

The zoo, in a statement, announced the closure of its Tropical House, where the crocodiles are kept. This decision is out of respect for the affected family.

According to the zoo’s website, it is home to more than one hundred animals including lions, tigers, and capybaras. The staff has a long-standing interest in crocodiles, having cared for them for over twenty years.

Reporter Adela Suliman covers breaking news for NBC News in London, including developments in the United States and worldwide. Her journalism career follows work with several prominent news organizations and her background as an international corporate litigator.