A FEMALE zookeeper has been killed in a "freak accident" after a tiger entered the enclosure she was in at a zoo in Cambridgeshire.

Police were called at 11.15am on Monday (May 29), to reports of serious incident at Hamerton Zoo Park, in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

A Magpas air ambulance was on the scene 20 minutes later and visitors were evacuated from the attraction a little before midday on Monday.

The zoo said: “This appears to have been a freak accident. A full investigation is currently under way and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able.

“At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures, and at no point was public safety affected in any way.

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time.”

The zoo confirmed it would remain closed on Tuesday while the investigation continues.

People took to social media to express their condolences following the female keeper’s death.

One user posted on Twitter: “Terrible news about the keeper at Hamerton Zoo. Such an awful shock for everyone RIP.”

Another wrote: “A zookeeper sadly died earlier today at Hamerton Zoo. So tragic, their life was taken too soon. RIP.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the tiger involved was believed to be fine, as Twitter users expressed fears over what would happen to the animal.

The force posted on Facebook: “Officers attended a serious incident at Hamerton Zoo Park, Steeple Girding, at around 11.15am today.

“A tiger had entered an enclosure with a keeper. Sadly the female zookeeper died at the scene. At no time did the animal escape from the enclosure. The incident is not believed to be suspicious.”

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