**Title: Wowcher Issues Apology Following Controversial Email Referencing Crocodile Attack**
Wowcher, a popular discount website, has issued an apology after sending out a marketing email that inappropriately referenced a crocodile attack on a toddler at a zoo. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst, located near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where a three-year-old boy was attacked by at least one crocodile after entering their enclosure during a family visit.
The email, sent to customers on Saturday, featured the subject line: "Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!" This choice of wording sparked outrage on social media, prompting many users to share screenshots and express their disapproval. In response to the backlash, Wowcher released a statement apologizing for the "unacceptable" content of the email.
"We are extremely sorry for the wording used in the email," the statement read. "It should never have been written, and it was never approved for use. The responsibility sits with us, and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognize the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child's family at this unimaginably difficult time."
The boy, who was not known to the man arrested in connection with the incident, was rescued from the enclosure by zoo staff and is currently in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Following the attack, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later bailed due to being deemed "unfit for interview" by authorities.
Police were alerted to the situation at the zoo shortly after 1:24 PM BST on Thursday, responding to a call from the ambulance service. They reported that the child had sustained serious injuries while in the crocodile enclosure.
Public reaction to the email has been swift and severe, with some customers stating they have unsubscribed from Wowcher's communications. One individual described the email as "disgusting," while another called for accountability, suggesting that someone should be fired for the oversight.
In light of the incident, a Wowcher spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to reviewing all scheduled marketing content and strengthening their creative, approval, and sign-off processes. "There is no excuse for this. We apologize unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again," the spokesperson added.
The incident has drawn attention not only for the email's insensitivity but also for the serious nature of the attack on the young boy. As the community rallies around the family during this difficult time, the zoo and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the story develops, Wowcher's response and the ongoing investigation into the attack will likely remain in the spotlight, prompting discussions about responsible marketing practices and the importance of sensitivity in communications.