Horror moment ‘depressed’ circus bear savages trainer in front of screaming children after ‘life of agony’

THIS is the horror moment a circus bear savaged a trainer in front of screaming children after living a life of agony with joint pain. The crazed beast was seen going wild in the Russian circus ring, attacking the man as children and parents fled the tent. The muzzled animal at the Russian circus show suddenly pounced on its trainerEast2west News Kids sitting just feet away scream as the bear mauled its trainerEast2west News The resurfaced footage begins with the brown bear being forced to push a wheelbarrow while walking on its hind legs. But the muzzled animal suddenly pounces on its trainer, knocking him down and leaping on top of him. Kids sitting just feet away – with no protective barrier – scream as another circus employee repeatedly kicks the 16-year-old bear as it mauls his colleague. When that failed to stop the animal, it was electrocuted with a device as the audience fled for the only exit in the travelling circus’s big top. Read more world news FINAL MOMENTS Horror moment nurse drowns while live streaming herself in hotel pool TEARFUL PM Finland PM in tears as she admits ‘I’m also human’ after parties & topless pals Circus officials initially said the bear had been startled by flashing lights in the audience. But his trainer later said the attack was sparked by the depressed animal’s joint pain. The trainer floored by the bear was understood to be injured but no further details of his condition were given to local media. Mum-of-one Galina Gurieva, 27, who filmed the distressing scene in the town of Olonets, north-east Russia, said: “My knees are still trembling. Most read in News GUN HORROR Drug dealer who burst into tragic Olivia's home before botched 'hit' is pictured VILLAGE BLOODBATH Woman, 71, knifed to death, after 'asking neighbour to turn music down' GUN HORROR Innocent Olivia, 9, was gunned down by hitman at bedtime as she hid behind mum GREAT WHITE CLIFFS Families flee Kent beach in terror as huge 'shark' circles near kids HOLIDAY HELL Vid shows mass ‘Brit’ brawl as onlookers scream & thug boots women on ground DEATH TO THE WEST Russia threatens West with nuclear war & vows to prepare BOMB SHELTERS “I was shocked there was no fence for the safety of spectators, given the size of the bear.” Another visitor said: “At first, everyone thought it was a script. “But when the assistant started kicking the bear and pulled out the shocker, the panic started. People got up and ran to the exit.” A criminal investigation was opened into the incident and the bear’s act was axed from the show. Travelling circuses with live animal performances remain popular in Russia despite growing campaigns for bans or curbs on such events.