This is the terrifying moment a circus lion pounces on a spectator as the audience screams in shock.

The incident was captured on phone footage during a performance in Wanrong County, Shanxi province, China, on January 31, as the agitated lion suddenly attacked in front of a crowd.

While the keeper had the lion circling in its cage, it noticed someone standing too close outside the bars.

Without warning, it leaps at the man, thrusting its front paws through the gaps and grabbing him by the chest.

As he desperately tried to escape, the lion dragged him closer and appeared to clamp its jaws around his legs.

Screaming onlookers began to flee as the lion refused to release its terrified prey.

Both the keeper and another circus worker used long poles to keep the wild feline at bay, eventually creating enough space for people outside the cage to pull the victim away.

Circus officials later stated that the person attacked was a staff member. They told local media: 'The young lion has no big teeth, so there was no danger. The lion just tore his clothes, he is fine.'

Animals in circuses are often subjected to stressful conditions, including loud noises, bright lights, and constant travel, which can lead to anxiety and abnormal behaviours.

Circuses frequently use harsh training methods, such as physical punishment, restraint, and deprivation, to force animals to perform tricks.