Boy, 3, had five surgeries after crocodile attack

A three-year-old boy attacked in a zoo's crocodile enclosure has undergone five surgeries and faces lengthy rehabilitation, his parents have revealed.

They also said the extent of their son's feeling, movement and function in his arms, wrists and hands was "still unknown" at this stage.

The boy was injured at Johnsons of Old Hurst, in Cambridgeshire, on 18 June, with his parents adding they were now effectively "living" at hospital.

They gave the update as they thanked donors who had raised some £26,000 for the family.

The BBC understands at least one crocodile attacked the boy.

Police have arrested and bailed a 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, on suspicion of attempted murder.

The details were posted on a fundraising page, set up to support the youngster's recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability.

His parents added: "These last two weeks have been a very uncertain and unsettling time."

On their boy's injuries, they added: "This will only be identified after casts and bandages are able to be removed and he can begin his rehabilitation journey.

"His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won't be a short process."

They revealed they also had a newborn baby to care for, adding: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity.

"We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time.

"We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries."

They said their boy would have to undergo at least two more surgeries.

The boy, who is from Cambridgeshire, was visiting the zoo with his family and was seriously injured "while in the enclosure", Cambridgeshire Police previously said.

Chris Newman, the director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, previously told the BBC that three members of the Johnson family had entered the enclosure.

On Friday, the owners of the zoo praised the "incredible speed and determination" of those who helped him.

On Wednesday, the boy's family said they wished to "thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure".

The zoo has more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers and meerkats.

Crocodilians first arrived on the farm in 2006 and species now include broad snouted caiman, Nile crocodiles and American alligator.

Cambridgeshire Police said it was called to the zoo at 13:34 BST following the incident.

The arrested man is believed to have learning disabilities and was on a trip to the zoo with carers.

He is not believed to have known the child.

The man was released on bail until 18 September, and police said he was "assessed as not being fit for interview".

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