A zoo worker has been seriously injured today in a tiger attack at an animal park, police said.

The 24-year-old woman was in the big cat’s enclosure when she was mauled at SouthLakesWildAnimalPark in Dalton-in Furness shortly before 4pm.

She was taken by ambulance to Preston Royal Infirmary and the park has been closed.

Cumbria Police said they are investigating.

A spokesman said: ‘The tiger is securely locked in its enclosure and there is no further risk to the public.

‘Members of the public were not at any risk during the incident.

‘Police and Barrow Borough Council are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this incident.’

Local newspaper the Westmorland Gazette said the women suffered injuries to her face and neck, however the hospital refused to comment.

The park, which attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, claims to be one of the best conservation zoos in the UK.