Man killed in tiger attack identified as William Chapman

The man who was killed by a tiger after entering its enclosure at a wildlife park has been identified as William Chapman, the BBC understands.

Chapman entered the enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to South Yorkshire Police.

An eyewitness described seeing him wearing headphones and “pacing around” near the enclosure before he went in and was attacked. Police confirmed he was visiting the park on his own.

A force spokesperson said his family was aware and was being supported by specialist officers. The park was evacuated after the incident and remains closed as investigations continue.

City of Doncaster Council has also launched a health and safety investigation into the death, which a spokesperson said was “in line with our statutory duties”.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said their “thoughts and heartfelt sympathies” were with the man’s family and confirmed the rare Amur tiger, called Altai, remained in the enclosure and would not be euthanised.

Chapman, described by eyewitnesses as in his 20s, was reported to have entered the enclosure after climbing down from a walkway.

Those who saw the attack said some witnesses had tried unsuccessfully to distract the tiger.

A video posted on a social media account believed to be Chapman’s appears to show the moments before the attack.

In the footage, shot on a mobile phone, the inside of the enclosure can be seen as he approaches the tiger – perched on a wooden platform – across a patch of grass.

Shouts of concern, urging him to get out, can be heard.

The video ends, and the account has now been removed.