Families watch in horror as escaped monkey mauled to death by lions at Blair Drummond Safari Park

The bosses of Blair Drummond Safari Park have apologised to families who watched an escaped monkey being killed by lions.

Lion cubs in their reserve at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling

STV reports that the incident happened when two barbary macaques broke out of their enclosure at the attraction.

One of the escapees was said to have been coaxed back into their enclosure by staff but the other jumped into the lion reserve.

A spokesman for the park was quoted as saying they were “truly sorry” visitors had witnessed what was a “distressing sight”.

They said: “This tragic event is being felt deeply by the teams involved who care for our animals around the clock.

“We are taking this extremely seriously; the safety of our visitors and the safety and care of our animals is our highest priority.”

It is understood the park has notified the local licensing body and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums over the incident.