A day out at a family zoo turned into a nightmare after a 3-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure, leaving the child fighting serious injuries as police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder.

The shocking incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Johnsons Zoo in Old Hurst, Huntingdonshire, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

Authorities said a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested after the little boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Police have described the case as a “critical incident.”

A spokesperson for the force said the child suffered serious injuries and is in critical but stable condition.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said police are now speaking with witnesses who were at the zoo when the horror unfolded.

“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 said.

In a chilling detail, police said they do not believe the suspect and the child knew each other.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other,” McCann added. “Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Specially trained officers are now with the boy’s devastated family as the investigation continues.

Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty said he has been in contact with senior officers and urged the public not to speculate while police investigate.

“I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident,” he said.

“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course.”

He added: “My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”

Johnsons Zoo is described as a family-owned zoo, farm shop, tea room and steakhouse. Its website says the property is a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens in the countryside.

The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers, crocodiles and sloth bears.

The venue also promotes itself as a family-friendly destination with woodland walks, a playground and a sandpit.

Police have not yet released further details about how the child ended up in the enclosure or whether any animals made contact with him.

The investigation remains ongoing.