A man has been arrested following a burglary at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire that unfolded dramatically across nearby villages.
Police were called to the family-run zoo and farm, located in Church Street, Old Hurst near Huntingdon, at around 9.50pm on Monday, 21 April. A group of men had stolen a blue Land Rover Defender and trailer from the premises before being pursued by a local man who attempted to intervene.
The chase led through New Road, Humberdale Way, and Ramsey Road in Warboys, where the burglars rammed the pursuer’s vehicle in a desperate attempt to escape. Despite the confrontation, the suspects managed to flee in what police believe were a Range Rover and a Volkswagen Passat.
One of the suspected vehicles was later found abandoned in Slacks Lane, Bury. A 40-year-old man from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has since been arrested on suspicion of robbery and burglary. He has been released on bail until 21 July.
Detective Constable Emily South, investigating the case, said: “This was a burglary which has also seen numerous altercations in the Warboys area as the man attempted to stop the suspects escaping. I would like to hear from anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to officers or who has dashcam footage of anything suspicious from Monday evening in the Warboys, Bury and Old Hurst areas.”
Police are urging anyone with information or relevant footage to report it via the force’s website, quoting reference 35/28482/25, or by calling 101 for those without internet access.
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a popular family attraction known for its exotic animals and farm shop, and the local community has expressed shock at the incident.
