Zoo where three-year-old boy was thrown into crocodile pit reopens nine days after horror incident

The zoo where a toddler was thrown into a crocodile pit and rushed to hospital has confirmed it will fully reopen this weekend following the horrific incident.

Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire posted on social media today: "As of this weekend, our whole site will be fully open, thank you."

The announcement comes nine days after a three-year-old boy was thrown into the enclosure last Thursday, leaving him fighting for his life in hospital.

The child, who sustained "serious injuries", is no longer in a critical condition as of Monday.

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The zoo's Tropical House had remained shut since the incident out of respect for the family.

According to reports, the young boy is said to have been thrown some 15 feet into the enclosure by a 30-year-old man who has learning difficulties.

The child landed on a concrete walkway inside the pit, fracturing both his arm and pelvis, before ending up in the water - where he was then bitten by one of the crocodiles, believed to be either a saltwater or Nile species.

The suspect was detained on suspicion of attempted murder, but was quickly released from custody after police determined he was "unfit for interview", bailed until September 18.

Cambridgeshire Police are now reportedly investigating the two carers who were responsible for supervising the suspect during the zoo visit.

A source told The Telegraph that following the incident, the suspect and his carers left the enclosure and headed to the car park, where they attempted to get into a vehicle.

However, zoo staff intervened and prevented them from leaving the premises.

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Witnesses have claimed the carers appeared distracted during the outing.

One mother in her twenties said: "They were maybe ten metres behind him and not paying much attention. They were English and chatting among themselves and on their phones."

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether further action is required.

Tracey Johnson, who co-owns and operates the attraction with her husband, was among the first to leap into the enclosure after the child fell.

Andrew Johnson followed his wife into the pit, as did their son Edward.

The family worked together to rescue the toddler, managing to free him from the jaws of one of the crocodiles.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: "Our inquiries 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."

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