The crocodiles at Johnson’s of Old Hurst (file picture) (Image: SWNS)

A three-year-old boy was rushed to hospital following an incident at a zoo during which he "ended up in a crocodile enclosure", police said. Cambridgeshire Constabulary are investigating an incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdon.

The force said to have been called to the zoo this afternoon, June 18, at around 1.24pm, to reports of an incident involving a young boy. During the incident, police said, the toddler "ended up in the crocodile enclosure". The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries, with police saying he is critical but stable.

Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Police were called to the zoo this afternoon (Image: SWNS)

Police issued a statement this afternoon (Image: SWNS)

Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating, Cambridgeshire Police said in a statement.

Det Insp Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”

The zoo is home to dozens of animals (Image: Johnsons of Old Hurst/Facebook)

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, wrote on X: "I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.

"This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.

"The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time."

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and Magpas Air Ambulance attended the scene.

The zoo is home to crocodiles among other animals (Image: Johnson's of Old Hurst)

They added: "A child was transported by road to hospital for further care."

A Magpas Air Ambulance spokesperson said a critical care team attended the incident at 1.42pm and "treated one patient at the scene before taking them to hospital".

The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including crocodiles, Bengal tigers and lions, its website read.

The crocodile enclosure has been closed until further notice, Johnson’s Zoo said in a statement on social media, adding “our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family”.

In a statement posted on social media Johnson’s said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.

“Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct inquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary. The rest of the site will remain open as normal. Thank you.”