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The man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was visiting the attraction on his own, it emerged on Monday evening, as an investigation was launched into his death.
Emergency services were called to the wildlife park near Doncaster on Saturday after the man climbed into the animal enclosure and was then attacked by the tiger. Witnesses said he overpowered a woman who “desperately tried” to stop him entering the compound.
The man was later pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the BBC: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody.” The force said it would not name the man at the request of his family.
Also on Monday, the City of Doncaster Council licensing authority launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the council, said: “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.”
Did you see what happened? Contact bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk
Watch: Visitors evacuate wildlife park after man dies in tiger attack
Pictured: Tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Local councillors reflect on 'upsetting' incident
Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, said: “I really feel for the staff, they’ve got protocols they have to go through.
“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could.”
Doncaster’s deputy civic mayor councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: “We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded.”
He said he had been “really shocked about the tragic incident”.
Tiger who attacked man in Yorkshire enclosure ‘was endangered species who had joined from zoo in Norway last year’
In pictures: Flowers lay outside Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Watch: Yorkshire tiger latest: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
Full Statement: City of Doncaster Council announce an investigation
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.”
Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”
Man who died in tiger enclosure was visiting on his own - Report
The man who died in a tiger enclosure in Yorkshire is not believed to have been accompanied by anybody, it has been reported.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody."
Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack
