Shocking moment lion locks its jaws around keeper's throat and drags him across a circus ring as terrified families scream in terror

Terrifying: The lion jumped on top of the tamer and attacked him during a performance at a circus in France on Sunday

This is the shocking moment a lion locked its jaws around a keeper's throat and dragged him across a circus ring in front of terrified families, as children screamed out in horror.
The distressing scenes, posted to Facebook, show the tamer, 34, set upon by the male cat, who then
hauled its victim around the pen while horrified onlookers rushed out of their seats.

The incident happened midway through a show in Doullens, northern France on Sunday afternoon.

A man has been left with serious injuries after his throat was ripped by the beast

The man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, according to local media.

The arena was pumped with smoke to distract the lion, who lost sight of its victim as the tamer scrambled to safety.