Mother father and son jumped into crocodile pit to save boy, new details reveal

An incredible feat of bravery

The incident happened on June 18, with police responding to calls to the zoo at Johnson's of Old Hurst at 13:24 on Thursday following reports that a boy had suffered serious injuries.

The boy was pulled out by staff from the zoo and received medical treatment at the scene.

In a Facebook statement, the zoo confirmed the Tropical House in the zoo would stay shut out of respect. The comment section of the statement was filled with an outpouring of admiration for owner Tracey and her staff.

New details reported by The Sunday Times confirm that as well as Tracey, her husband, Andrew, and one of their sons, Edward, jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Together they worked to separate the crocodile and the three-year-old, before the toddler was removed from the enclosure.

"We mustn't underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made," said Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare. "She was first in there. She jumped in and dealt with an awful situation. She was then joined by her husband and son. It was a team effort."

Mr Newman reportedly spoke with the family on Friday and are understood to be 'distraught' for the child.

Police issued a statement

The police issued an update on June 19 after a man was arrested.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a boy ended up in the enclosure of the crocodile at a zoo in Huntingdon.

In an update issued by police, police said that the man, who is not known to the child, has been bailed and declared that he is not fit for interview.

Cambridgeshire Police Det Insp Verity McCann said: "Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.

"Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time."