A circus trainer has been killed after he was mauled to death by four tigers in Italy.
According reports in Italy, the trainer named as Ettore Weber, 61, was killed after he was attacked by the tigers on Thursday evening.
It is believed that Weber was attacked by one of the tigers before three others joined in.
Although staff managed to get Weber out of the cage, it is believed that the tigers mauled and played with his body for some time before he was removed.
Weber who is said to have been one of the best circus trainers in the world was performing for Orfei Circus, ahead of an upcoming show entitled Animal Park in Triggiano, near Bari.
Authorities investigating his death say all four tigers have since been transferred to a safari park.