Crocodile attack suspect's carers at centre of council probe over safeguarding concerns

The carers of a suspect arrested after an incident at a Cambridgeshire zoo are being investigated by the council over safeguarding concerns.

Norfolk County Council launched a safeguarding probe into instances of potential neglect and abuse after a boy, 3, fell into the reptile enclosure on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo.

During the immediate aftermath of the attack, while zookeepers leapt into the enclosure to rescue the boy, the carers hurried the suspect to the car park and tried to get into a car before being stopped, a source said.

Now, the carers are being investigated in a new safeguarding inquiry, according to The Telegraph.

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A fortnight after the attack, the boy has received extensive medical care, undergoing five surgeries.

The disabled suspect, 30, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was later released on police bail after officer said he deemed unfit to interview.

He was accompanied by two of his carers as the drama unfolded last month. A member of staff blocked the three from leaving the scene.

The council is pursuing a Section 42 inquiry, which specifically seeks to set out whether a care recipient was experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, The Telegraph said.

It will also assess whether the subject is unable to defend themselves from the maltreatment.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s major crime unit is currently assessing footage from the zoo's CCTV system and is said to be examining the involvement of the carers as well.

While investigations are carried out, the council confirmed it had frozen referrals to the care provider involved, which has remained unnamed.

The authority is also studying the quality of care which its other users are receiving.

It confirmed it was liaising with "partners in the health and care system to identify and review all those individuals receiving care from this provider and to ensure the care they are receiving is of the quality and consistency they expect and deserve".

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The Care Quality Commission, Britain's social care watchdog, said the care provider contacted the regulatory body "within a reasonable timeframe" of the attack.

In a statement, it said it was working with organisations to "understand whether there is any regulatory action it needs to take".

While the authorities investigate the circumstances of the incident, the victim is undergoing significant surgical treatment.

A fundraising appeal established to support the victim's medical recovery and provide the family with financial support during his hospital stay has now collected more than £25,000 in donations.

Posting an update a fortnight after the incident, the parents said: "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."

They added: "His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won’t be a short process. The money that has been donated so far has been used to pay for our expenses.

"We are both currently away from work and the time in which this will need to be the case is unknown."

Meanwhile, Johnsons of Old Hurst thanked visitors who came forward to help during the emergency, including off-duty paramedics and police officers.

The zoo said their "calm and immediate actions made a real difference."

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