Ice-skating circus bear kills manager

A Russian ice-skating circus bear turned on his handlers in Kyrgyzstan today, killing one person and gravely injuring another.

Circus director Dmitry Potapov died at the scene after the bear dragged him across an ice rink by his neck and nearly severed one of his legs, according to the BBC.

It was unclear what caused the bear to attack Potapov.

A 29-year-old circus employee, who attempted to rescue Potapov while he was being mauled, was also severely injured, reports AFP.

Local police shot and killed the five-year-old bear when they arrived on the scene.

The bear was part of the travelling Russian state circus, which is currently performing in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

- NZ HERALD STAFF