Reactions from residents as police launch hunt for escaped lion

Officers from Essex Police have been working with experts from Colchester Zoo who believe the reports to be genuine after being shown a photograph from a member of the public.

It is still unclear where the animal came from as it had not escaped However police said the lion had not escaped from the zoo.

Residents reacted to the news saying, "we were a bit shocked...we thought we'd come out for a walk and see if we could catch it".

An increased police presence in the area includes firearms officers and the police helicopter searching near where the animal was spotted.

Police are also trying to establish where the lion may have come from and have urged anyone who sees the lion to call 999.