Horror moment raging brown bear ATTACKS ringmaster as beast is forced to perform tricks at cruel Russian circus

THIS is the horrifying moment a brown bear attacked a ringmaster after the beast was forced to perform tricks at a cruel Russian circus.

The raging bear suddenly became agitated and lunged at the circus performer during a show packed with kids and their parents in the city of Blagoveshchensk.

There were gasps from the crowd as the ringmaster and a trainer struggled to control the beast.

They could be seen desperately yanking on the bear's leash as it tried to escape the tent.

The duo finally got the bear under control by each feeding it treats.

The animal finally calmed down and performed a trick by jumping on stools while standing tall on its hind legs. 

There were relieved cheers from the crowd when the bear finished its stunt. 

There were no barriers between the performers and the crowd at the circus show.

As the footage spread online, there were calls for a ban on live animal performances in circuses. 

The woman who posted the shocking video said: "The bear was likely teased.

"It got angry and began to kick and attacked the tamer. But all ended safely."

Another visitor said: "It was unbearably hot in there, poor animals. 

"It is time to prohibit such circuses."

A third person said: "My friend was at the performance.

"She also said that the bear snapped. It looked like it was a bit aggressive. 

"And there was no proper barrier to the people watching."

The "Soviet Circus" show was by the Zvezdny travelling troupe from Novosibirsk.

The circus manager, Valentina, told local media the performance had "gone well" despite the outburst from the brown bear.

She told Port Amur newspaper: "The video could be spread by ill-wishers.

"We have security measures in place. Animals are on leashes, in muzzles…

"The animal may show discontent, it is very hot. But there was no attack."