Central Arrests

Three zoo workers have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to animals in their care.

CCTV recordings from the elephants enclosure showed two of them being beaten.

The three male members of staff were immediately sacked, and the incidents reported to Leicestershire police.

Twycross Zoo said in a statement today that everyone at the zoo is extremely upset by the alleged beating of an elephant by keepers:

Twycross Zoo says it has sacked three keepers after they allegedly discovered elephants were being mistreated.

"The zoo responded to the situation immediately by telling the Leicestershire police of the issue, who are investigating the matter. The relevant zoo authorities were also informed."

The Zoo said the elephant that was 'mistreated' are being regularly checked by veterinary experts who say they are well and behaving normally.

Three men have been arrested and bailed in connection with the abuse of the elephant.

Police say the three men arrested and questioned in connection with the alleged beating of an elephant have been bailed.

Leicestershire Police said:

Three men at Twycross Zoo have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after an elephant was allegedly beaten.

Police said the three men were questioned in connection with the unnecessary suffering of an elephant.

More to follow