Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

LONDON: A man has died in a tiger attack after entering the animal's enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, police said, PA Media and dpa reported.

Emergency services were contacted after the incident shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday.

Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have since been informed, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said.

Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled with by a tiger in an enclosure at the park.

The tiger was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident, while the wildlife park was subsequently evacuated, the force said.

A police spokesperson said: "At 1.35pm today, we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injuries.

"Emergency services attended and, sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The man's family are aware and are 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. There is no wider risk to the public."

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson also confirmed that two land ambulances, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.

A statement posted on the wildlife park's social media channels read: "We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure.

"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."

Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.

The attraction is situated on a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for endangered Amur tigers, a subspecies with around 500 individuals remaining in the wild.

Photos of the enclosure on the park's website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the area where the tigers can roam.

South Yorkshire Police said they were aware of the footage circulating online and had asked people not to share it.