Children scream in terror as lion fatally attacks circus trainer

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Children screamed in horror as a lion tamer was mauled to death during a live circus show in Egypt.

Shocking footage showed Alexandria trainer Islam Shaheen, 35, inside the large enclosure with two trainers and three lions, as 90s dance music blares in the background.

A crowd of children and parents watched on as Shaheen waved a large stick in the air, motioning one of the big cats towards him, while another climbed a nearby ladder.

Moments later the third lion, seemingly unprovoked, pounced on the man and mauled his neck.

Two other trainers rushed to try and help their colleague as the wounded man lay motionless on the ground.

The music cut out and was replaced by the sound of children screaming in terror, as the trainers tried to help Shaheen.

He was rushed to Andalusian Salam hospital, where he later died.

Shaheen worked as a circus trainer for a decade, and the lion was a new addition to the show from South Africa, local reports said.

Circus spokesman Mohammed Mustafa said the lion was in mating season, causing it to behave erratically.

The jungle cat has been withdrawn from performances to allow a vet to check it.

News break – December 2