Crocodile mauls circus performer’s face

A crocodile has bitten down on Vietnamese circus performer’s face after he stuck his head in the predator's mouth.

Video taken on Saturday showed the man – dressed as a clown – attempt the reckless feat during a performance in the Ha Nam province.

The young "inexperienced" crocodile had never been used on stage before, it was brought in at the last minute to replace an older croc that had died earlier that day.

A keeper rubbed the crocodile's face as the performer put his head into its mouth.

Within seconds the juvenile animal snapped down and shook its victim before letting go.

Blood poured from the clown's face as he ripped his torn cheeks from the animal's mouth in front of a shocked audience.

Thanh Liem District Chairman, Pham Van High said the injured man was being treated for his injuries, the SS reports.

"Prior to the performances, the circus brought a crocodile but unfortunately it died and the replacement crocodile was put on instead," Liem said.

"Fortunately, the actor was only wounded in the incident. Now he is being treated in hospital in Henan province. By this morning, the health situation of the actor was better."