Emergency services raced to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, and a critical incident was declared by police on June 18. 

He was rescued from the pit by staff members, including the zoo’s owners Andy and Tracey Johnson, who are said to have leapt into the enclosure.

The toddler received treatment at the scene before being rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

It has since been revealed he was attacked by one of the reptiles when he ended up in the enclosure on June 18.

The boy remains in a stable condition.

In a statement issued on Thursday (July 2), Johnsons of Old Hurst described the incident as “one of the most distressing” in its history.

Police declared a critical incident after the toddler suffered serious injuries (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson said: “We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into our of crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House.

“Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.

“The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances.

“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who stepped forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers whose calm and immediate actions made a real difference.”

They added: “We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over.

“The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming.

“Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with us.

“Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time.”

A 30-year-old from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident.

The suspect, believed to have learning difficulties, has since been released on bail until September 18.

The force confirmed the man, who is not known to the victim, has been assessed as “not being fit for interview”.

Detectives are now reviewing CCTV at the premises in a bid to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A fundraising page set up to pay for the toddler’s treatment and recovery has raised more than £22,000 days after it was first launched.

More than £22,000 has been raised for the injured toddler (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

According to the organiser, any funds remaining after meeting the family’s needs will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust.

In a statement released on Wednesday (July 1), the victim’s family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.

“We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.

“Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”

It has since been revealed no safety concerns were indicated regarding the zoo’s conditions at the time of the incident.

Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk

Hello and welcome to coverage from Wimbledon as Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley takes on Jaume Munar.

Fearnley needed a wild card to get into the tournament after a difficult 12 months so fighting back from two-sets down to beat American Alex Michelsen was a real shot in the arm for the Scotsman.

“I have practised with him a lot,” said the 24-year-old. “It is not an easy match, but there are worse draws out there. Two years ago, I drew Novak [Djokovic].

“You do kind of go into the match thinking you’re in it, where sometimes when I have drawn [Alexander] Zverev second round, you kind of just go in thinking, ‘Well, I’ll try and get some games’.”

Munar, the world No 44, beat Queen’s Club champion Francisco Cerundolo in the second round.

Fearnley could receive a visit from the Princess of Wales, who is at the All England Club today. Dressed ‌in ‌a ⁠blue outfit, the 44-year-old made her way to Court 18 to watch Arthur Fery and was seated ​beside British former ‌semi-finalist Tim Henman.

On arrival ‌earlier, the Princess, who is patron of the AELTC, spent time ​meeting attendees who queued up since early ​in the morning, alongside ‌the honourary ​stewards.

Fery came from a set down to beat Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-3. It is a first appearance in the third round of a grand slam for Fery, and with Shelton exiting this quarter of the draw in the first round, the youngster from Wimbledon could yet go further still.

Organisation reveals they often receive alerts from panicked travellers who have headed off on holiday – only to realise they have left vital prescriptions like inhalers, insulin, blood pressure tablets, or other needed medications at home.

Lanarkshire holidaymakers are being warned not to let a simple mistake turn into a stressful health scare by forgetting their essential medicines when they travel away from home.

NHS 24 reveals that they often receive alerts from panicked travellers who have headed off on holiday – only to realise they have left vital prescriptions like inhalers, insulin, blood pressure tablets, or other needed medications at home.

Dr John McAnaw, associate clinical director at NHS 24, said: “It happens more frequently than you might think.

“People arrive at their destination ready to enjoy themselves, then suddenly realise their medicine is still at home. It can quickly turn a relaxing break into a stressful one.”

Missing doses of medicine, even for a short time, can have a real impact – particularly for people managing long-term health conditions.

Therefore, NHS 24 is urging people to take a moment before they travel, whether it’s a fortnight abroad or a weekend away, to check they have everything they need.

Dr McAnaw added: “It doesn’t matter if you are jetting off to Jamaica or camping in the Cairngorms.

“Remember to take your medicine with you as it might not be easy to replace when you get there, especially if you are in an unfamiliar or remote area.”

As part of its summer campaign, NHS 24 is promoting its Pack, Plan, Protect messaging.

“That means packing essential medicine, planning ahead with remedies for any health needs such as bites, stings, or hay fever, and protecting yourself and loved ones during any spells of hot weather.

“Before you head off on your summer adventure, just take a moment to check you’ve packed what you need,” advises Dr McAnaw.

“Make sure in advance that you’ve got enough medicine for your whole trip, keep it somewhere easy to reach such as your hand luggage, and check how it should be stored – especially in warm weather.

“These are really easy steps, but they can save you a lot of hassle at a time when you should be enjoying yourself on your well-earned break.”

For more summer health tips from NHS 24, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/summer

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

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Vogue Williams has laid into ‘really stupid’ Lee Andrews as she hit out at Katie Price‘s husband for ‘taking the p*** out of everybody’ with his outlandish claims.

Lee, 43, who was recently imprisoned in Dubai’s infamous Al Awir prison for a month, claimed he was held on suspicion of espionage, but was actually arrested in connection with fraud allegations and private civil matters.

During their weekly podcast, My Therapist Ghosted me, Vogue was told by her co-host Joanne McNally that Lee’s recent claims include being offered a role on EastEnders and adopting all five of Katie’s children from previous relationships.

Vogue was reluctant to talk about Lee because she has a problem with the fact he is trying to ‘make people seem stupid’ by feeding them fabricated stories.

When she was told by Joanne that the BBC confirmed Lee hadn’t been offered a part on the soap, she said: ‘Thank f***ing god. That’s the best news you’ve come with. He can’t leave Dubai. I have never heard a greater sentence. Thank you.’

Lee, 43, who was recently imprisoned in Dubai’s infamous Al Awir prison for a month, claimed he was held on suspicion of espionage, but was actually arrested in connection with fraud allegations and private civil matters

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‘He’s taking the p**s out of everybody. This is why I have such a problem with it, I’ve likened it to being really stupid.

‘He’s trying to make people seem stupid and think that we actually believe his b******t and I can’t bear it.

‘I feel like he doesn’t even have two brain cells to rub together, that’s how I feel about him and I hate being dragged down to his level.’ 

Last week, Lee claimed he has bagged a part in Britain’s favourite soap EastEnders. 

The so-called businessman, 43, was released from Al-Awir prison in Dubai earlier this month where he was detained due to fraud allegations, although he insists he was captured at gunpoint after being suspected of espionage.

During a Cameo video the so-called businessman claimed is having ‘conversations’ with the EastEnders casting director.

He said: ‘Between you and me, I’ve got a little cameo coming on EastEnders. I’m trying to get Kate on there as well.

‘I’ve been speaking with the BBC casting director. I’ve got some projects lined up.

‘Let me get to England, let’s do it. Me in the Queen Vic, you know, ‘Get out of my pub,’ I’ll do it.’

He added: ‘Let me get to England, let’s do it. Me in the Queen Vic, you know, ‘Get out of my pub,’ I’ll do it’ (pictured 

A source confirmed to The Daily Mail: ‘There are no plans for Lee Andrews to appear.’

It comes after Lee claimed on Father’s Day that he had ‘adopted’ Katie’s five children – despite having never met Katie’s children.

Lee had said in a Cameo clip: ‘I haven’t got children, but we’re trying. I’ve adopted five of them. I love my wife and I love her children.’

But a source told The Metro, Lee has told ‘yet another lie’ and it is ‘categorically untrue’.

Lee is yet to meet Princess, 18, Junior, 21, and Katie’s eldest son Harvey, 24, despite being married to their mother since January. He is said to have spoken to them on FaceTime.

In his Father’s Day video, Lee spoke about how they are trying to have a baby, following his release from Al-Awir prison in Dubai where he was jailed for a month.

Lee and Katie recently reunited after the former glamour model was seen at Gatwick airport on Tuesday as she travelled to meet her husband. 

 She was said to be set on grilling him after being left with unanswered questions following his prison stint.

However any tense conversations or arguments looked far from Katie’s mind as the pair danced in the car together to Mr Saxobeat. 

Katie showcased her surgically enhanced assets in a skimpy yellow halter neck top and shades as she messed around while Lee filmed the two of them. 

Lee had previously teased there would be a live stream on his Instagram last week as he uploaded a poster, which read: ‘The grilling on Lee Andrews by Katie Price. Katie needs answers from her husband.’

Now a new report suggests Lee – who claims to be a millionaire and successful businessman – is also at the centre of a high-stakes property dispute.

The Sun reports court documents show he is the first-named defendant among three in the case, brought before the Dubai Court by claimant Alexander Keya.

The documents also show an accounting expert has been instructed to carry out a financial examination of the situation, the newspaper goes on to claim.

The documents show the court ordered the review on July 15 last year, with a remote judicial meeting scheduled later that month.

The precise allegations remain the subject of ongoing proceedings according to the publication and there hasn’t yet been a final judgement.

Sources claimed last week that Lee faces being hauled back to prison in 14 days if he fails to pay his outstanding debts, after documents revealed the extent of his money troubles.

Documents have also shown that the debts which instigated a warrant for Lee’s arrest included £54,000 pertaining to the hiring of a rental car, and £15,000 to a United Arab Emirates legal firm.

While it’s thought that Lee was not ‘actively wanted’ by police officials at this stage, he must pay his debts within two weeks.

Yarm Contemporary Gallery, which only opened in December, announced it will be closing its doors for good on Saturday (July 4). 

Artist Lucy Storrs, who set up the gallery, thanked customers for their “support, interest, and words of encouragement” since it opened. 

She said she has loved being a part of the Yarm community but that the site has “not been viable as a permanent gallery model” – and will now go back to being an artist full time. 

A statement posted on Facebook said: “If you have not already heard, July 4 is our last day on the high street.

Yarm Contemporary art gallery (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“You folk have been wonderful; thank you for all your support, interest and words of encouragement. It has meant so much to us.

“We’ve loved being part of the community of Yarm. Keep an eye out for future possibilities whether a pop-up event or online, we are still exploring ideas.

“We have loved our little gallery but it has not been viable as a permanent gallery model. Sometimes you have to try these things to know if it’s going to work or not. 

Yarm Contemporary art gallery (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“Now back to being an artist full time and a half. I have a tonne of work to catch up with, next stop London… thank you everyone. I am going to miss that river.” 

Lucy, who uses textiles like wool to add texture and depth to her pieces, set up the gallery to bring original work and prints from local and national artists to the town. 

She had been displaying artwork in Fairfax Court for some time but decided to open a permanent gallery due to the town’s “strong sense of community”.

The 311 square foot former Pop Up Shop has now been put back on the market, with a rental fee of £1,250 per calendar month. 

Having air conditioning at home is a luxury that keeps people comfortable during the hottest months of the year, and it’s debated whether the AC should stay blasting or be turned off when people head to work during the day.

Some swear that turning off the AC when they’re gone for a few hours is the most energy-efficient, cost-saving method. Others say it’s better to leave it running continuously, preventing the system from straining to rapidly cool the house down after the home has gotten warmer throughout the day.

Three experts interviewed by The Associated Press agreed that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while you’re away is generally the best way to balance energy efficiency against comfort and humidity.

While turning an AC unit off for several hours and turning it back on can save money and energy compared to continuously running it, that approach can lead to mold problems in humid environments as well as wear and tear that can cause more frequent repairs. The equation can also vary depending on other factors including comfort level, AC unit type and building insulation.

Air conditioning strategies differ in humid or dry climates

Experts say there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding what AC habits save the most energy and money.

“If you’re gone for like 15 minutes to go to the grocery store, you don’t get any gain” by turning off your AC, said Elizabeth Hewitt, professor and urban planning expert at Stony Brook University.

But as a general rule, “if you’re going for your work day, say for eight hours or so, you’ll almost always save more energy and money by turning things off,” she said.

In some climates, however, turning off the AC might not be feasible, so residents can set back their AC a few degrees instead of blasting cold air all day.

In dry places like Arizona, you can let the home warm up more by raising the thermostat a few degrees higher. But in humid climates like Florida, air inside the home can become damp and harder to cool, and turning the AC off for long periods can increase the risk of mold since the system helps control indoor moisture.

Bumping up the thermostat by 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) yields about a 3% savings in cooling costs, said Patrick Phelan, mechanical engineering professor at Arizona State University.

Phelan also said leaving your AC off for hours and then turning it back on could lead to wear that results in more frequent repairs. That is because it can take AC systems 15 to 30 minutes after they are turned on to perform most efficiently.

How much energy and money you can save depends on the kind of home you live in, said Gregor Henze, an architectural engineering professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Homes built with heavy materials like concrete or brick hold in cool air longer, while older, draftier houses heat up faster. In less insulated homes, Henze said, it makes sense to adjust the thermostat even if you’re stepping out for just a few hours, because the indoor temperature can rise quickly.

Some AC units save more energy than others

Whether you have a window unit, a smart thermometer or central air could influence your savings.

Window units are generally less efficient because they’re installed in an open window, making it difficult to seal out hot air completely, said Hewitt. She added that spraying “cheap foam spray insulation in open windows or areas that are drafty is a really low-hanging fruit that doesn’t cost a lot of money and really helps retain the indoor temperature in your home.”

Phelan says smart thermostats are a handy tool to remove the mental burden of tinkering with your manual thermostat multiple times a day. Smart thermostats “learn” by monitoring the occupancy with a sensor and raise the temperature when no one is home to conserve energy and lower it when people return.

“If you’re going from just an ordinary manual thermostat to installing a smart one like a Nest, then you can expect something like 10% savings,” said Phelan.

How to cool your home without air conditioning

Each expert said simple steps like blocking sunlight can go a long way in keeping homes cool.

Henze pointed to “time-honored strategies” such as opening windows at night when it’s cooler. In dry climates, that night air doesn’t add much moisture, but in humid regions it can bring in dampness the AC will later need to remove.

Hewitt added that closing your blinds can make a difference of several degrees.

Phelan also noted that some blinds are designed to reflect sunlight and said tinted window films are another option.

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O’Malley is a former Associated Press reporter.

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

We will rise up and rebuild,” was the defiant message from Ukrainians after Russia unleashed one of the biggest attacks of the war on the capital Kyiv, leaving at least 21 dead, 90 hurt and 130 buildings damaged.

The EU ambassador to Ukraine said that “Russia unleashed hell on Kyiv” in the overnight attack, with 74 missiles and 496 drones launched, according to the Ukrainian air force. Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha described the assault as a “night of horror”.

The attack caused the widest destruction in Kyiv so far this year, and was the deadliest since at least May, when 24 people were killed in a strike that brought down an apartment block. Footage and images from the city showed widespread destruction as residents were left picking up the pieces.

You can follow the latest updates on the Ukraine war here.

Kyiv citizens told The Independent they were left in shock after the latest assault from Vladimir Putin’s forces, which Moscow said was launched in retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia.

Kashtanchik kindergarten, which serves around 70 local children aged between two and six, was one of the scores of buildings hit in the onslaught.

Director Tetiana Konovalchuk, who has run the nursery for 26 years, said when the explosions woke her before dawn, she rushed the 500 metres from her home to inspect the damage.

Asked whether she felt anger after another attack had damaged the kindergarten – it was also hit last year – she paused, looked away and fought back tears.

“I will only say that we will rise up and rebuild,” the 49-year-old replied.

As workers hurled shattered window frames onto the pavement below, she shouted warnings to those walking past to avoid being struck by falling debris.

Before long, another air raid siren echoed across the district, followed by two more within the hour, briefly interrupting the clean-up.

President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short a visit to Ireland on Wednesday evening and had warned Ukrainians that a major attack was imminent.

“The main strike was directed at Kyiv. Air defence supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority,” he said, urging Ukraine’s allies to maintain contributions to a fund to buy US weapons, including Patriot air defence missiles for Ukraine.

The multiple waves of strikes, which began shortly after 2am on Thursday, destroyed apartment buildings and sent plumes of black smoke over the capital that lingered well into the morning. In the city centre, a hotel was set ablaze, its upper storeys burning for hours after the impact.

Residents in Kyiv’s eastern Darnytsia district, the worst-affected area of the capital, described a series of earth-shaking explosions that ripped away five floors of a nine-storey residential block and gouged a crater several metres deep in front of a neighbouring building.

“Everyone is just in total shock,” said Myroslava Fedykovych, a psychologist who arrived to provide emergency mental health support.

Ms Fedykovych said she had spoken to a 20-year-old woman who fled to a shelter about 50 metres away after an initial explosion struck the area at around 3.30am.

Half an hour later, as dozens of residents sheltered in the basement, another missile slammed into the courtyard outside.

The blast rendered her apartment building “completely unliveable” and shook the shelter so violently that those inside feared the ceiling would collapse. Several men began trying to force open the rear exit in case they needed another escape route.

“There was a first hit, and after that, they ran to the shelter nearby. You can see the crater behind me, which was just after they got to the shelter,” Ms Fedykovych said.

“So the first strike basically saved their lives. But then they thought the shelter was going to collapse because it was shaking and pieces of the ceiling were falling on them.

“The men in the shelter tried to break open the back door because they thought they were going to be trapped.

“This building behind is completely unliveable now,” she continued. “At the moment, everyone is just in total shock. They are just sitting there in silence. But I know from previous experience that everyone will reach out again, when it has calmed down.

“It has been very difficult emotionally. We have been having our therapy as we go.”

Nearby, rescuers clambered over the shattered building, clearing debris and searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

As colleagues passed a body bag up through the ruins, a washing machine suddenly tumbled from the eighth floor, crashing to the ground beside a fire engine.

Residents huddled nearby waiting for humanitarian assistance when a man suddenly screamed and ran into the destroyed building. A dozen armed police officers chased after him before dragging him back outside.

Ms Fedykovych pointed towards the young woman, who declined to speak. She sat, stunned into silence, in the shade beside a basketball court, opposite the blackened shell of what had once been her home.

Between her and the ruined building, a Ukrainian serviceman stood at the edge of the missile crater examining fragments of the weapon that had destroyed it.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as “a terrible night” and said damage had been recorded in every district of the city. The Darnytsia residential block suffered the worst destruction, he said, with part of the building “literally blown away”.

Rescuers were still searching for people trapped beneath the rubble, including a 15-year-old girl and her family. Friday has been declared a day of mourning in the capital.

The Russian Defence Ministry, in a Telegram post, said its “massive attack” using long-range, high-precision air, land and sea-launched weapons and drones hit military and energy facilities, as well as airports in Kyiv and other locations.

Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted most of the missiles and drones, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones struck 33 locations across the country, with Kyiv the primary target.

The government, which has stepped up strikes in recent weeks on Russia’s domestic fuel supply, said it had hit an oil refinery overnight in the Russian region of Nizhny Novgorod, where the governor reported one person killed in a strike on an industrial facility.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow could help stop Russian attacks.

“Today, I will propose to sanction more entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex in response to the strikes,” she said in a post on X. “The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed.”

In a statement read out by barrister Charlotte Proudman following the appeal court ruling, the family of victim C1 – who has been referred to as Jazmine (not her real name) – said that they had lived through “a nightmare that no family should ever have to endure”.

They added: “Today’s judgement cannot erase what our daughter has suffered but it does acknowledge the seriousness of these offences.”

She also read the words of Jazmine, who said: “I feel like I am the one who has been sentenced, I feel like I am the one living in a prison even though I did nothing wrong.”

“What happened to me has left me harmed so severely that I do not think I will ever be the same,” she said.

The statement continued: “We also wish to thank Laura Kuennesburg and the BBC for giving us a platform to be heard. Attorney general Lord Hermer for swiftly recognising the need for this appeal.”

Jazmine’s family have set up the Stronger Than Silence Foundation – a charity providing support to survivors of sexual violence and their families.

In a statement, the family of the victim C2 said the original sentences had been “devastating”.

“[They] left us feeling that the harm caused to our daughter had not been fully recognised.

“While no sentence can undo the trauma she has endured, today’s decision gives us a greater sense that justice has been served and that those responsible have been held properly accountable.

“We are immensely proud of our daughter’s courage and strength throughout this long and difficult process.”

Warning: This story contains details some may find distressing

At the time of the rapes, X and Y were 14 and Z was 13. They were convicted of 10 rape offences between them.

When Judge Nicholas Rowland passed the initial sentences at Southampton Crown Court in May, there was an outcry from the girls and their families as well as from politicians. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as “an appalling case”.

In her statement, Carr said Rowland had carried out a “careful sentencing exercise” but the non-custodial sentences for X and Y were “unduly lenient” as they did not take full account of the psychological harm caused to both victims.

Rowland had given X and Y three-year Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YRO) with 180 days of intensive surveillance and supervision.

Z, now 14, was given an 18-month YRO.

All three boys were also made subject to a three-month curfew and given a restraining order for 10 years not to contact their victims.

One of the girls – C1 – was 15 when she was raped by X and Y in November 2024 at an underpass near a river in Fordingbridge after first engaging in some consensual sexual activity with X. Parts of the rape were filmed.

The second girl – C2, who was 14 – was raped by X and Y in January 2025 in a recreation ground in Fordingbridge. Again there had been some consensual sexual activity before the rape began and, again, parts of the rape were filmed, this time by boy Z.

During the appeal hearing, the Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for putting out an inaccurate press release suggesting a knife was involved in the rapes.

Nintendo draw a veil over the original Switch, with their final first party game for the system and a revival of a rhythm action classic from the Game Boy Advance era.

And so, we come to the end of the Nintendo Switch’s long and glorious career, at least in terms of being a recipient for new first party Nintendo games. A good case can be made that the Switch is both Nintendo’s best console and the best video game hardware of all time, but inevitably its software support has been a case of fading away rather than going out with a bang. Although as finales go, Rhythm Paradise Groove is a lot better than most other consoles manage.

To be clear, new games will continue to be released on the original Switch, especially when it comes to indie titles, but currently there are no plans for Nintendo to release any new, internally developed games for it. But while the original intention seems to have been for Rhythm Paradise Groove to draw a line under Nintendo’s support for the console, they have subsequently hinted that there may be more titles in the future – no doubt a reflection of the ever-increasing cost of making high-end video games.

Rhythm Paradise Groove is part of a series, known in North America as Rhythm Heaven, that has been around since the Game Boy Advance and celebrates its 20th anniversary in August – although this is the first new entry in 10 years. Back in the mid-2000s rhythm action games were all the rage but Rhythm Paradise has always taken a very stripped down, minimalist approach to the concept, mixing its hardcore rhythm-based gameplay with surrealist imagery. And that is still the case in this latest sequel.

The series’ origins on the Game Boy Advance are still very obvious, given that most of the 80+ minigames in Rhythm Paradise Groove require the use of only one or two buttons. Even with the wackier minigames there’s a strange kind of utilitarianism to the gameplay, as the visuals are often very limited, with little or no background detail or animation, and the music is all chirpy little chiptunes rather than famous songs or other extravagances.

In terms of the presentation, the vibe is of a featherweight distraction, but the reality for most people is a game of punishing difficulty, that offers no alternative but hard graft and being a literal slave to the beat. There are no perks or buffs that will save you here and while rote learning can help to a degree, your one and only goal remains to keep in time with the beat by pressing the buttons at the right time.

Often, it’s not clear what you’re even supposed to be doing at first, but as difficult as the game can be for the rhythmically challenged you’re never punished for failure – just encouraged to try again. And yet even the very first minigame, where you’re getting weird circular creatures to jump through a hoop, is very difficult, until you learn to pay less attention to the visuals and more to the beat itself. In fact, some minigames purposefully emphasise this, by blanking the screen at certain points, so all you have is the music.

When Rhythm Paradise first came out it was right around the time Brain Training and its many spin-offs were becoming popular and although it’s never been as clinical as those titles it does feel almost equally instructional. You may start the game convinced that you have no sense of rhythm (or convinced you do, only to be rudely disabused) but by the end it really does feel as if you’ve learnt something, or you’ve at least got in touch with a previously unexploited talent.

Unfortunately, the minimalist presentation, and thoroughly weird concepts behind some of the minigames, has always limited the game’s audience and Groove can be no less off-putting. Helping a dog catch a Frisbee or mopping a steel girder are positively mundane tasks compared to other minigames that involve everything from feeding a walking plant monster to playing as a programmer debugging a platform game and bouncing fruit off a muscle builder’s biceps.

There’s no direct connection between Rhythm Paradise and WarioWare – they’ve always been made by different developers – but here the sheer strangeness of the minigames (and the fact that previous games had nowhere near as many) and the similar art styles make the comparison more obvious. But whereas WarioWare microgames rarely require much in the way of skill to complete, that’s not the case with Rhythm Paradise Groove.

The greater number of minigames not only adds variety to the gameplay but also the modes, with a number of four-player co-operative games and Remix stages which having you playing four games in a row and then a new fifth one that combines elements from all the previous ones. Unlike the regular games this also involves actual licensed Japanese pop songs, although that underlines the fact that most of the music in the normal minigames is pretty basic and uninteresting.

There’s also an unavoidable problem with modern TVs, which often suffer from lag compared to playing the game in handheld mode. There’s nothing Nintendo can do about that, and the game goes to a lot of effort to try and calibrate the screen properly, while actively acknowledging the problem, but before you try it there’s no guarantee the game will work well on your set-up.

The only other disappointment is the Beatspell role-playing mode, which promised a longer and more complex gameplay experience but proves to be very undercooked and repetitive. You could probably make a fun action role-player out of the basic concept, but it’d need a lot more variety and depth than Beatspell provides.

Whether Rhythm Paradise will continue beyond the Switch 1 is unknown but it’s fascinating to see the indie style sensibilities of the original still shining through 20 years later. The Switch is certainly the only format you could imagine such a game existing on, while still being published by a major company, and that fact alone makes it a good point to end on. Although if it later turns out there’s to be an encore, we won’t complain at all.

Formats: Nintendo Switch
Price: £33.99
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Release Date: 2nd July 2026
Age Rating: 7

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