Lion on the loose in Essex

  • Anglia
A lion similar to this one at Edinburgh Zoo was spotted on Sunday night Credit: PA

Residents who live in St Osyth, near Clacton in Essex have been told to stay in their homes after reports of a lion on the loose.

Police were called at 7pm on Sunday night after a member of the public saw what they thought was a lion close to Earls Hall Drive.

Police confirmed they were taking the reports seriously after seeing a photo.

Colchester Zoo has confirmed that it is not missing any animals, but lion keepers are helping police officers in their search. The plan is to use a tranquilliser gun, if anything is found.

It is not yet clear where the lion might have come from - it is not thought to be from the Great British Circus which visited Clacton recently. There are a number of privately owned lions in the area.