Lion roams streets of Italian seaside town after escaping from circus

A lion was filmed prowling the streets of an Italian seaside town after escaping from a circus. Footage shared by LAV, an Italian non-profit organisation, shows the big cat walking through dark and deserted streets of Ladispoli, near Rome, on Saturday evening. Alessandro Grando, the mayor of Ladispoli, confirmed that law enforcement were “quickly on the scene“. Six hours after his original message, Mr Grando said the lion had been “sedated and captured“ and would be taken back by circus staff. “I hope that this episode can stir some consciences and that we can finally put an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses,“ he added. Watch more videos at the Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: