The family of a three-year-old boy who was left critically injured after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure say the toddler has already undergone 'multiple surgeries'

A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a "long road to recovery," his family have said.

Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18 after reports that the toddler had suffered serious injuries while in the enclosure.

The boy, who has not been named, was rescued by the zoo owners before being rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in a critical condition.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail after being found not to be fit for interview.

Loved-ones of the injured boy have now launched a GoFundMe page to give the family the "financial stability they need as they navigate through this difficult time".

The fundraiser, which has so far raised around £2,900 of its £6,000 target, reads: "I am fundraising for a young family whose three-year-old son was seriously injured at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon on June 18th after ending up in the crocodile enclosure.

"Thanks to the extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby, the little boy was rescued by the zoo owners and rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

"After undergoing multiple surgeries, his condition is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery. His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically."

The family say the donations will help cover costs for the boy's treatment in the "upcoming months and years ahead," with remaining funds going towards charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke's Trust.

The fundraiser adds: "Every donation, no matter the size, will support the family by giving them the financial stability they need as they navigate through this difficult time . It will also support their son's further recovery and rehabilitation in the upcoming months and years ahead.

"Should any funds remain after meeting the family's needs, they will be donated to the charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust to support other families facing similar challenges.

"The family are deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers, and well wishes they have received. They kindly ask that their son’s privacy is respected and that he is not identified or named in the media or on social media.

"Thank you for your generosity and support during this incredibly difficult time."

A local resident said the zoo's owner had leapt into the enclosure in a desperate bid to rescue the youngster as the horror unfolded.

The villager, who asked to remain anonymous, said that Tracey Johnson, who owns the zoo along with her husband Andy, jumped into the enclosure.

Last month, Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) launched a probe after the boy's medical details were accessed by up to 40 members of staff.

The hospital said it was exploring if there were legitimate reasons for the records to be accessed and that it had referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Johnson's of Old Hurst is a family-run farming business that now features a zoo housing more than 100 animals, according to its website.

The crocodiles are housed in a converted cattle barn at the site, where elevated walkways overlook pools of water and tropical vegetation. Police said none of the animals had been seized or killed.