A three-year-old boy is fighting for his life after he was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosurePaige Ingram Multimedia Journalist, Tom Kershaw Head of Live News and Sam Russell and Jordan Reynolds Press Association06:43, 19 Jun 2026Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)A zoo owner’s wife heroically jumped into a crocodile enclosure in a frantic attempt to save a seriously injured three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown in by a stranger.Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire. Officers were called to the scene at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed.A local resident, who asked not to be named, revealed that Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, bravely leapt into the enclosure in a bid to rescue the youngster. The villager stated: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition, police confirmed. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, reports the Mirror.Detective Inspector Verity McCann commented: “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.”In a statement posted on social media, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain shut until further notice. They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)The ambulance service confirmed that multiple emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene, including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance. A uniformed officer was standing guard at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle parked nearby in the car park.Nestled off a quiet, tree-lined country lane in the village of Old Hurst and surrounded by residential properties, the zoo also features a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse within its grounds.The attraction is home to over 100 animals, amongst them lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats. The crocodiles are housed inside a tropical building within a converted cattle shed, while other animals are kept in outdoor enclosures.The Johnson family has dedicated the past two decades to the care and handling of crocodiles. Current owner Andy Johnson has been involved in producing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.Neighbour Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives near the zoo, recalled previous visits where he felt entirely safe. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were roughly 15ft below, adding that fencing ran along the walkways, which he believed stood around 4ft high.Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the young boy ended up inside the crocodile enclosure.Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”She went on to say: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “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.”Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council stated: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”
Boy, 3, ‘thrown into zoo crocodile pit by stranger’ as woman jumps in after him
