Circus lion claws Russian toddler

– A circus lion pounced on a four-year-old girl, ripping its claws into her face, during a show in southern Russia that was intended for young children, officials said yesterday.

The girl has been hospitalised for treatment, said the investigative committee, probing Sunday’s incident.

Amateur footage broadcast on television showed the animal, held on a lead by a lion tamer, pouncing suddenly on the child.

Such attacks are a regular occurrence in Russia. –

Moscow