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Police have warned residents to stay indoors after reports of a lion running loose in Essex.

Armed officers and a police helicopter are at the scene of the sighting in fields off Earls Hall Drive in St Osyth, near Clacton.

Officers from Essex police have been working with experts from Colchester Zoo, who believe the reports to be genuine after being shown a photograph from a member of the public.

However, police said the animal had not escaped from the zoo, as all its big cats had been accounted for.

It is understood that at least one circus may have been touring the area recently.

Brenda Lord, of Earls Hall Farm, St Osyth, said the sighting was made by "several people" staying in caravans at her farm.

She said that at least one person had taken a photograph, apparently showing the animal in fields nearby.

"We are unable to go and speak to them as we have been ordered to stay indoors by police," she said.

"Those in the caravans have also been told to stay inside. There is a police helicopter outside and lots of activity."

Dave Sparks, of the Red Lion pub in St Osyth, said that the reports had worried families staying in the area for the bank holiday.

"We initially thought that it was a hoax but now we realise that it's genuine. The police are taking it very seriously.

"It's the talk of the pub. There have been a few people in here with children who have been quite worried but generally we are not too concerned."

Within minutes of the police appeal to stay indoors, St Osyth was trending on Twitter.

Police are urging anyone who sees a lion to call 999.

Captain Seafort wrote:have you been eaten?

Mikey wrote: I daresay he might not respond if the answer's in the affirmative.

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:

Mikey wrote: I daresay he might not respond if the answer's in the affirmative.

He could type from a smart phone thingie from the stomach.