Bear jumps into crowd at Ukrainian circus

A brown bear who was part of a circus performance has jumped into the crowd and attacked spectators in Ukraine.

An audience member filmed the bear meekly obeying the commands of its trainer in the city of Bila Tserkva last Wednesday.

But a moment later, the trainer became distracted and let go of the bear's leash.

Almost immediately, the large mammal pounced into the crowd, leaving several injured, My Kyiv reports.

Many spectators were hurt in a stampede caused by the panic.

The circus owners reportedly offered a refund to visitors and compensation for any damaged electronics.

Police were not initially alerted to the attack but have since started an investigation after reading about the circus in media reports.

The condition of the injured circus goers or of the bear is not known.