THE man suspected of throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure was reportedly bundled into a car by his carers moments after the horror.
The tot was in a critical condition after he is believed to have been bitten by one of the crocs.
Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst the crocodile farm in Cambridgeshire Credit: SWNS
There are thought to be around 15 crocodiles in the enclosure Credit: Supplied
The child was left with a broken arm and pelvis after he fell 15ft feet into the enclosure.
He was on a day out with his mum and younger sibling at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire when he was hurled over the 4ft fence and into the pit.
Thankfully, Tracey Johnson, who owns and runs the zoo and saved him from further harm.
He was raced to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment and as of Monday, he is no longer in a critical condition.
Tracey and Andy Johnson who founded Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon Credit: Bav Media
The crocodile farm in Cambridgeshire Credit: SWNS
are now reportedly probing the two carers who were looking after the suspect – who is understood to have learning difficulties – during his trip to the zoo.
A source told The Telegraph that after the child was thrown into the pit containing 15 crocodiles the suspect and carers left the enclosure and went to the car park.
They then tried to get into a vehicle but did not leave the zoo grounds after employees intervened.
The source said: “They tried to get him into the car”.
The Johnson family with one of their crocodiles Credit: Instagram Johnsons of Oldhurst
The carers reportedly left the reptile house with the suspect after the incident Credit: Supplied
But “another member of staff was there and prevented them from leaving” they added.
This follows reports that the carers were on their phones as the trio made their way around the zoo.
A mum, in her 20s, said: “Someone later described the man that did it and said he was with carers.
“I don’t know if it was definitely him but I saw one bloke of a bigger build, he had two carers with him and they weren’t paying him much attention.
“If it was him, his carers were maybe ten metres behind him and not paying much attention.
“They were English and chatting among themselves and on their phones.”
Police arrested a man of 30 on suspicion of attempted murder, and later released him on bail until September 18 saying he was “not fit for interview”.
Staff members, including the zoo owner’s wife Tracey Johnson, 55, and one of their sons, Edward, 29, were hailed heroes after jumping into the enclosure, grabbing the boy and carrying him to safety.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said of the crocodiles: “To bite is their natural reaction — they are predators. They’re used to people and well fed but it would still be their nature to snap.
“The issue is the force of the bite can be horrific and it depends what size the crocodile was.”
Mr Newman, 67, is a friend of the Johnsons.
He added: “My heart goes out to Tracey and to the child. She’s a lovely person, but she can be a tigress and her motherly instincts would have kicked in. I know her.
“That’s exactly what Tracey would have done and if she was involved she would have known how to deal with the crocodiles.”
Det Insp Verity McCann previously said: “Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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