Safeguarding Investigation Launched Into Care Provided to Man Accused of Throwing Boy Into Crocodile Enclosure
A safeguarding investigation has been launched into the care arrangements of a 30-year-old man accused of throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo, as new details emerge about the events surrounding the shocking incident.
Norfolk County Council confirmed it has opened a formal Section 42 safeguarding inquiry to examine the support provided to the man, who has a learning disability, and to determine whether there were failures in his care before the incident occurred.
The investigation follows the June 18 incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run zoo near Huntingdon, where the young boy suffered life-changing injuries after allegedly being thrown approximately 15 feet into a crocodile enclosure.
Safeguarding inquiry focuses on care arrangements
According to Norfolk County Council, the inquiry will examine whether the suspect was experiencing neglect or inadequate supervision while receiving care.
Although the man is from Norfolk, the council clarified that his care package was not commissioned, funded, or directly managed by Norfolk County Council. Nevertheless, officials said they are working alongside health and social care partners to review the circumstances surrounding the case.
A council spokesperson confirmed that referrals to the care provider involved have been suspended while the review is underway.
Officials said they are also assessing the quality of care being provided to other vulnerable individuals supported by the same organization to ensure appropriate safeguarding standards are being maintained.
Claims carers attempted to leave the scene
As the safeguarding review continues, new allegations have surfaced regarding the actions of the suspect’s two carers immediately after the incident.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, the carers allegedly escorted the suspect away from the enclosure shortly after zoo staff rushed to rescue the child.
The source claimed the carers attempted to place the man into a vehicle before another member of staff intervened, preventing them from leaving the premises before police arrived.
These allegations have not been publicly confirmed by investigators, and authorities have not indicated whether the carers are under criminal investigation.
Multiple witnesses also told British media that the carers appeared to be several metres behind the suspect before the incident unfolded.
According to those accounts, the suspect allegedly picked up the child, carried him toward the enclosure, lifted him over a security barrier, and threw him inside before anyone nearby could intervene.
Witness statements remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.
Police continue criminal investigation
Cambridgeshire Police arrested the 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident.
However, officers later determined that he was medically unfit to participate in a formal police interview. He was subsequently released on bail while detectives continue gathering evidence.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional interviews will take place once medical assessments are completed.
The criminal investigation remains active.
Child undergoes multiple surgeries
Meanwhile, the young victim continues receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
His parents recently revealed that their son has undergone five surgeries since the attack and is expected to require at least two additional operations as part of his recovery.
According to family members, the child sustained a broken arm, a fractured pelvis, and injuries consistent with a crocodile bite after landing on a concrete walkway inside the enclosure.
Doctors continue monitoring his condition as he begins what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation process.
A fundraising campaign established to assist with the family’s medical and recovery expenses has raised more than £25,000.
In a public statement shared through the fundraising page, the boy’s parents expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported them.
“We are extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity,” they wrote.
“We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time.”
The family added that they have remained at the hospital throughout their son’s treatment while he continues recovering from his injuries.
Zoo owners praised for rescue effort
Johnsons of Old Hurst owners Andy and Tracey Johnson have described the incident as one of the most traumatic experiences in the history of the zoo.
According to the family, Tracey Johnson immediately entered the crocodile enclosure after the child was thrown inside, despite the obvious danger posed by the reptiles.
She was soon joined by her husband Andy and their son Edward as they worked together to rescue the boy before emergency services arrived.
In a statement, the family praised zoo employees for their rapid response and thanked ambulance crews, police officers, and the MAGPAS Air Ambulance team for their professionalism.
“Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination,” the family said.
“Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.”
Investigation continues
The case has raised broader questions about safeguarding procedures, supervision standards, and the responsibilities of care providers when supporting vulnerable adults in public settings.
While police continue investigating the alleged attempted murder, Norfolk County Council’s safeguarding inquiry will separately examine whether appropriate care and supervision were provided before the incident occurred.
Officials have emphasized that both investigations remain ongoing, and no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the actions of the carers or the care provider.
As the legal process continues, the primary focus remains on the recovery of the young boy, whose family says he still faces a long road ahead after surviving one of the most extraordinary and traumatic incidents ever experienced at the popular wildlife park.
