(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
A man has died after entering a tiger enclosure at a Yorkshire zoo.
Emergency services were called to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, on the outskirts of Doncaster, on Saturday (October 10), after a man went into the enclosure earlier this afternoon.
He was then attacked by one of the cats, leaving him seriously injured - with footage of the distressing incident being posted online.
South Yorkshire Police has now confirmed that the man has tragically died. The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers.
The force confirmed that the animal is uninjured and remained in the enclosure, and stressed there is no wider risk to the public.
The scene at Yorkshire Wildlife Park which has been evacuated and closed due to an ongoing emergency incident - with a huge police and paramedic presence at the site. // Eye witnesses say a “black screen” has been erected around the tiger enclosure wh (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
A spokesperson said: “At 1.35pm today (Saturday October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.
“Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.
The scene at Yorkshire Wildlife Park which has been evacuated and closed due to an ongoing emergency incident - with a huge police and paramedic presence at the site. // Eye witnesses say a “black screen” has been erected around the tiger enclosure wh (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
“Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out inquiries. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said: “Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
More to follow