Man dies after tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

A man has died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, police have confirmed.

South Yorkshire Police said it had been called at 13:35 BST to reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at the attraction near Doncaster. The tiger then attacked the man and he died at the scene, the force said.

His family had been informed and were being supported by officers, it added.

A park spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by today's tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life."

They added: "We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time. The park will remain closed tomorrow."

Police said the tiger was uninjured, remained in the enclosure following the incident and there had been no wider risk to the public.

The park was evacuated and officers remain at the scene.

The force added: "We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."

Earlier, in a statement posted on its website, the park said its emergency response procedures had been "immediately activated" and it was "working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened".

Karmelle Pelham, 39, from Worksop, was enjoying a family day out when park staff told them the site was being evacuated.

She said she heard what sounded like "gunshots", and an air ambulance circled above.

Pelham added: "There was a big, black tarpaulin over the tiger enclosure."

She praised park staff for their handling of the incident, saying it was "very, very well organised".

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

The purpose-built two-acre reserve is home to Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.

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

Man attacked by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park