This is the horrifying moment when a runaway tiger attacks a man after being cornered by a group of villagers in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The incident took place in Pilibhit district on May 1.

Visuals show the animal perched on a vehicle viciously charging at a man.

The big cat suddenly pounced on a spectator, viciously mauling the man armed with just a stick.

The man retaliates with the stick to save his life.

Following this, the tiger jumps down from the vehicle and escapes into the forest.

Later a loud bang can be heard, while white smoke is visible in the footage, suggesting that a gun might have been fired.

According to the reports, the tiger attack has injured at least three people, who have been rushed to a hospital and is presently undergoing treatment.

The area is notorious for such frequent attacks by tigers who stray into the villages.