Lynx escapes from Dartmoor Zoo

A Lynx has escaped from Dartmoor zoological park this morning (Thursday 7 July).

Police were informed at 10.20am that the large cat had escaped from its enclosure in Dartmoor Zoo.

Staff and volunteers have been searching the park and the animal is now thought to have left the grounds.

The lynx is a wild cat approximately the size of a large domestic cat, grey/silver in colour.

Police are urging the public to call 999 immediately quoting log 252 if it is sighted.

The animal should not be approached as it could become dangerous if alarmed or cornered.

Officers have visited two local schools to offer safety advice, and are going house to house in the area whilst assisting the search.

The National Police Air Service helicopter has also been deployed to help the search.