This is the terrifying moment a policeman locks himself inside a cell as a leopard wanders into the station.

CCTV footage shows the uninvited visitor entering the building before shortly leaving the office in Naduvattam, Tamil Nadu, on April 28, around 8:30 pm.

As it waited on the balcony, a brave officer can be seen approaching the door, simply checking if the wild feline was still in the area.

The official stepped outside, peeked at the huge cat, then re-entered and locked himself inside.

On duty alone, the officer promptly alerted forest officials for assistance and took precautions by securing himself in the station.

Following the incident, senior police officials visited the site and urged the Nilgiris Forest Division to enhance security measures in the area.

The forest department confirmed that this was the first reported instance of a leopard entering the police station, highlighting the unusual nature of the event.

There were no reports of stray dog attacks or cattle theft in the region, indicating that the creature's visit was an isolated occurrence.

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, said: 'Hats off to the police officer on duty who calmly closed the door and called forest officials. No one was hurt. The leopard went back safely to the forest.'

Local reports indicate that injuries and fatalities from leopard attacks have been increasing in India. Statistics show there have been 551 reported deaths from leopard and tiger attacks over 20 years.

The leopard population in India has grown from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, according to the Status of Leopards in India 2022 report, released by the Union Environment Ministry on February 29.

However, the development of homes in and around forests has led to an increase in conflicts with humans.