Hamerton Zoo Park has issued a warning to visitors, after a member of the public climbed a barrier to get closer to the cheetah enclosure.

Hamerton Zoo Park has issued a warning to visitors, after a member of the public climbed a barrier to get closer to the cheetah enclosure.

Staff saw the man, who was reportedly visiting the park with his girlfriend on December 7, climb over the barriers, despite there being signs warning visitors not to cross.

Staff asked the man to leave the site immediately.

In a statement online, the zoo said: “The barriers are in place to keep you a safe distance away from potentially dangerous animals, and also to protect the animals from the general public.

“If any of our staff witness anyone over the fences they have the authority to remove said people from the park.”

It added: “Whilst no one was injured and no animals harmed this time, we take this type of rule breaking very seriously, and this is clearly outlined in our conditions of entry which is given to everyone who enters.

“Thankfully incidents like this are very rare and we thank everyone who abides by our rules.”