Dartmoor Zoo lynx escape: Warning issued as big cat on loose in Plymouth

Police are advising people to be on the lookout after a lynx has escaped from Dartmoor Zoo in Plymouth. The wild cat is believed to have left the grounds of the zoo after staff and volunteers were unable to find it following a search of the park.

The lynx is grey/silver in colour and police are advising people not to approach the animal, as it could become dangerous if alarmed or cornered.

Instead, police are advising members of the public to call 999 immediately, quoting log 252 of 7 July 2016.

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesperson said: "Officers have visited two local schools to offer safety advice and reassurance. All children at All Saints Primary School are not in school as they are away on a field trip. Police are also working with staff at Little Orchard Montessori School to make sure they are kept inside.

"Officers are also going house to house in the area to offer advice and are assisting with the search on the ground. The National Police Air Service helicopter has been deployed to assist with the search of the boundaries of the zoological park."