Circus lions loose in Grimsby! And hero clown takes chase!

Thirty years ago, Chipperfield Brothers Circus fans - and some local residents of Grimsby - saw a livelier show than usual.

Immediately after the opening big cat act, the audience stampeded when someone shouted, "The lions are loose!"

In the streets outside, a policeman, Sergeant Bellamy, was stunned to see a lion run past his police car... followed by a clown in full costume and make-up, complete with enormous shoes.

The funnyman was Tommy Cook - Clown Brum, who performed with Shaun Cook as Brum and Rum.

Armed with a chair, the clown cornered the lion in a blind alley, then broke the bad news: another three lions were still at large.

Local man Michael Strandt needed 24 stitches after a lion pounced on him and sank its teeth into his neck. He was only saved when another policeman rammed the beast with his car.

Another lion became trapped in the local bus station where a member of staff said, "It kept roaring and roaring."

Within an hour, the circus staff had successfully recaptured their animals.

It is thought the lions, which belonged to Mary Chipperfield, were let loose by animal rights protesters and the circus staff were praised for their bravery and efficiency in recovering them.

In true circus tradition, the following night's show went on as usual.

How do you train a tiger? Read my interview with Helyne Edmonds of the Great British Circus in Circus Mania - the Ultimate Book for Anyone Who Dreamed of Running Away with the Circus.

And click here to read an interview with big cat trainer Martin Lacey Senior.