A man has been airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a big cat in Welwyn.

The incident happened at the Cat Survival Trust in Codicote Road, with the victim understood to be the trust's owner, Terrence Moore - dubbed 'Britain's Tiger King'.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene just after 4pm on Tuesday last week, following reports of a medical emergency.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “The incident involved a man and a big cat that is caged on site.

"The man, in his 70s, was transported to hospital via air ambulance with serious injuries and has received specialist treatment. He remains in a stable condition.

"The scene was quickly contained and there is no wider threat to the public."

The Cat Survival Trust is a UK charity set up to conserve all species of wild cats. 

However, in May, Mr Moore was found guilty of animal cruelty offences.

He was convicted of four charges of causing unnecessary suffering of an animal and seven of using an animal species for commercial gain without a licence.

Mr Moore was told he would be banned from keeping animals for five years once alternative arrangements have been made to home the 31 animals at the Cat Survival Trust.

He was also ordered to pay fines totalling £10,000.