What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Police issue update on man killed in enclosure

A man was fatally attacked by a tiger after he climbed into the animal enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Friday.

Witnesses have said the man posed for a picture with the tiger before entering the pen.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 9 when he entered the enclosure.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police have said, adding that his family were informed.

Police have also confirmed the tiger was unharmed in the incident.

What happened?

Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park, near Doncaster.

Another appears to have the voice of the as-yet-unidentified man asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger, before the incident took place.

It’s understood that the man climbed into the tiger enclosure, but other visitors did try to stop him.

Anthony Hunt and his girlfriend Scarlet Hogan, who were visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, told The Telegraph that a woman “desperately tried to pull back” the victim as he tried to jump into the compound.

The man overpowered the woman, who was with her two children at the time, and leapt from a bridge into the tiger pen, Mr Hunt told the newspaper.

“The man started praying to the tiger, bowing down to it – the tiger looked a bit confused,” Ms Hogan said. “Up until he got attacked, it was like he was in a trance, not in reality at all.”

“He had arms wide open ready for the tiger to attack him. It was quite bad. We were just stood there, frozen... the last thing we saw was the tiger’s jaw on his neck,” she added.

Witnesses have also described how shots were fired in a bid to distract the tiger and allow emergency services to enter the enclosure.

Visitors were evacuated from the park and air ambulances scrambled, but the man was later pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said.

Police said their enquiries remain ongoing and have urged people not to share distressing footage that has emerged on social media.

Investigation launched

City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the wildlife park, has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.

“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.

“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”

Victim will not be named

South Yorkshire police will not be naming the victim who was killed by a tiger, The Independent understands.

It is understood that the family have requested the man is not named.

Is the zoo still open?

Following the incident the park was evacuated and has not yet opened.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said it will remain closed for the whole of Monday as investigations continue into the man's death.

What will happen to the tiger?

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has said the tiger involved in the attack is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised following the incident.

The statement from Yorkshire Wildlife Park read: “We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday’s tragic incident.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.

“The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.

“Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident.”