A 3-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical but stable condition on Thursday after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire, England, according to local authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a popular zoo that features a reptile attraction known as the Tropical House.

Authorities said the suspect, who is from Norfolk, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Investigators do not believe the man knew the child prior to the encounter.

The incident occurred on Thursday at the zoo in Old Hurst, a village located in Cambridgeshire. Emergency responders transported the boy to a hospital, where he was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

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Police have not publicly identified either the child or the suspect, and officials said the circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said investigators are working to gather information from witnesses who were present at the zoo.

“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,” McCann told The Sun.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other,” McCann said.

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Authorities have not released additional details regarding how the boy ended up inside the enclosure or what may have motivated the suspect.

The investigation quickly drew attention from local officials, including Ben Obese-Jecty, whose parliamentary district includes Old Hurst.

In a statement, Obese-Jecty urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators continue their work.

“This is now a live criminal investigation, and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online,” he said.

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“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,” said Obese-Jecty.

Police have not indicated when additional information may be released or whether further charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.

The zoo, which opened its reptile section in 2019, has become known for interactive exhibits and specialty experiences involving reptiles. One of its featured attractions is a crocodile feeding experience that costs approximately $100.

Following Thursday’s incident, zoo officials announced the temporary closure of the Tropical House facility.

In a statement posted to Instagram, the zoo expressed support for the child and his family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today,” the Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo said.

The zoo also announced that the Tropical House area would remain closed until further notice.

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The incident has prompted a major police response as investigators continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence from the scene.

As of Thursday evening, authorities had not released the suspect’s identity, and the criminal investigation remained active.

Officials have urged members of the public to allow investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions about what occurred.

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