TERRIFIED residents have been pictured running for their lives after a massive Bengal tiger escaped from a circus.

Mass panic broke out in Monreale, Sicily, as the beast roamed the streets today.

4

4

4

4

It is thought to have escaped from a Swedish circus visiting the area.

Residents barricaded themselves inside their homes, while the tiger was trapped and surrounded by special police in a private parking lot.

Traffic was blocked for a few hours along the nearby highway as authorities struggled to contain the big cat.

RELATED STORIES

HI HO SILVA

Hull 3 Bournemouth 1: Abel Hernandez fires twice as Hull come from behind to give Marco Silva first win

Silva lining up return

Watford and Hull set for transfer battle for Olympiakos defender Omar Elabdellaoui

Grizzly attack

Hiker details miraculous escape after two bears went for him with one animal clamping his neck in its JAWS

where eagles scare

Pet owners warned to lock up their animals after giant golden eagle escapes

Police received the call to say the tiger was on the loose at around 9am.

The white tiger, named Oscar, was captured after two hours on the run, under the supervision of trainers from the circus and local police.

Oscar the tiger was not sedated, in order to avoid harming the animal.

He was then safely transported in a cage back to the circus.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368