What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Family of victim issues statement

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Family have paid tribute to the man who was fatally attacked by a tiger after he climbed into the animal enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday.

The victim of the incident was identified on Tuesday as William Chapman. His family described him as “a bright, warm and engaging young man” who “suffered from significant mental illness”.

Mr Chapman posted footage on his Instagram account minutes before he was killed of him approaching the tiger, called Altai, at the Zoo on Saturday.

Witnesses have said they saw the man pose for a picture with the tiger before entering the pen.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm when he entered the enclosure. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said, adding that his family were informed.

Police also confirmed the tiger was unharmed in the incident.

Videos circulating online appear to show Mr Chapman being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park, near Doncaster.

Another appears to have the voice of the victim asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger, before the incident took place.

It’s understood he climbed into the tiger enclosure, but other visitors did try to stop him.

Anthony Hunt and his girlfriend Scarlet Hogan, who were visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, told The Telegraph that a woman “desperately tried to pull back” the victim as he tried to jump into the compound.

The man reportedly overpowered the woman, who was with her two children at the time, and leapt from a bridge into the tiger pen, Mr Hunt told the newspaper.

“The man started praying to the tiger, bowing down to it – the tiger looked a bit confused,” Ms Hogan said. “Up until he got attacked, it was like he was in a trance, not in reality at all.”

“He had arms wide open ready for the tiger to attack him. It was quite bad. We were just stood there, frozen… the last thing we saw was the tiger’s jaw on his neck,” she added.

Witnesses have also described how shots were fired in a bid to distract the tiger and allow emergency services to enter the enclosure.

Visitors were evacuated from the park and air ambulances scrambled, but Mr Chapman was later pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said.

Police said their enquiries remain ongoing and have urged people not to share distressing footage that has emerged on social media.

The force confirmed that the victim was believed to have been visiting the wildlife park on his own, and was not accompanied.

Mr Chapman’s family described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was “dearly loved”.

“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication,” they continued in a statement. “It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process.”

Mr Chapman was a former child actor who had appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.

Jackie Palmer stage school, where he was an alumni, said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing” of their former student.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” they said. “We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us. It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the wildlife park, has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.

“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.

“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”

Following the incident the park was evacuated and has not yet opened.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said it will remain closed for as investigations continue into the man’s death.

A statement on the zoo’s website says: “The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has said the tiger involved in the attack is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised following the incident.

The statement from Yorkshire Wildlife Park read: “We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday’s tragic incident.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.”

It added that staff who were deeply affected by events will receive specialist support.

The park added: “Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident.”

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