A family outing to a zoo almost ended in a tragedy for a Gillingham family when their baby nearly fell into a monkey enclosure.

Father Adam Tuddenham visited Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, as a treat for his 18-month-old son Casey.

But their special day turned into a nightmare when a wooden barrier protecting the public from the Laguna monkeys gave way.

"I knew if I let go he would hit an electric fence and the fall would probably have killed him..." - Adam Tuddenham

Mr Tuddenham fell forwards onto the floor and almost dropped his son 10ft below.

The 29-year-old said: "I fell on my side onto some netting and just gripped onto my son because I knew if I let go he would hit an electric fence and the fall would probably have killed him."

Unable to find a member of staff in the area, Mr Tuddenham said he had to walk 20 minutes to the entrance to explain what had happened.

He said he was then told there were no managers available and he would have to write it in the accident book.

Mr Tuddenham, who suffered bruising to his ribs, added: "It felt like no one was taking it seriously."

He has since received a letter from Howletts, which said the screws securing the barrier "may have been removed".

Director Neil Spooner said the barrier had been inspected by its health and safety officer, alongside an independent health and safety consultant, and it has since been repaired.

He added: "We undertake regular inspections of our enclosures and barriers and take any accidents that occur at the park very seriously. All accidents reported are immediately investigated and followed up."

The family are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Anyone who saw it is asked to email adamtudders@hotmail.com.

In April, a Manston mother told how her two-year-old son also had a lucky escape at Howletts.

Kaileigh Parrish, 26, was terrified when little Cody managed to squeeze through a hedge by a fence - and ended up in the middle of a tarpaulin covering water by a sign reading 'Danger - deep water'.