UK police release man arrested in crocodile-toddler incident

UK police release man arrested in crocodile-toddler incident June 19, 2026Police in eastern Cambridgeshire, England, said Friday that a man arrested the day prior on suspicion of attempted murder in the case of an injured toddler at a private zoo had been released on bail until September 18. "A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder," said police Thursday. On Friday, Cambridgeshire Police added, "The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview." What do we know about the crocodile incident? The man was arrested at the crocodile enclosure of Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run farm and zoo that features a butcher shop and a steakhouse, and showcases animals such as crocodiles but also lions and tigers. It was there, in the tropical enclosure, that a three-year-old boy fell into a crocodile pen. Media outlets in the UK reported that the boy had been saved by the business owner's wife, who jumped into the enclosure to rescue him. Police say the child is in critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after sustaining serious injuries. Authorities did not comment on the type of injuries the child had sustained or how he got them. The business' Facebook page said the tropical enclosure would remain temporarily closed, adding, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family." Police are currently conducting interviews with eyewitnesses. "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," Cambridgeshire Detective Inspector Verity McCann said on Friday. Edited by: Rana Taha