South Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident in a statement, saying they received reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at around 1:35 pm on Saturday, October 10.

“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury,” the police said.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead despite the efforts of medical personnel.

Police said the man's family had been informed and was receiving support from specialist officers.

“Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time,” the statement added.

The police said the tiger was uninjured and remained inside the enclosure following the incident. They also confirmed that there was no wider risk to the public.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Wildlife Park said in a Facebook post that it was working closely with the police and relevant authorities.

“We would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time,” the park said.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009. Its Land of the Tigers attraction opened in 2011, while Leopard Heights, described as one of the world's largest leopard reserves, was inaugurated in March 2012.