Council chiefs say they have ‘lost confidence’ in the ability of a Borth zoo to operate responsibly and safely following the news that antelope escaped this morning.

In a strongly worded statement, Ceredigion County Council said: "The council has received information that three lechwe antelopes have escaped from Borth Wild Animal Kingdom this morning, Wednesday.

"This is extremely disappointing news for the local authority who have issued a number of closure notices on the zoo, as the local authority has lost confidence in the ability of the zoo to operate responsibly and safely.

"The zoo operators have appealed the initial closure order and we await confirmation of a court hearing.

"In the meantime, officers are at the scene to assess the situation. We would ask the public to stay away from the area, until the situation is resolved.

"Another statement will be issued later in due course.”

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom say only two antelope escaped.

In a Facebook post, they said: “We have located the male and are doing our best to keep him in one place as our dart team are on their way.

“The female is not dangerous at all, the male however has big horns, but is not aggressive.

“They will run away from people so please keep your distance and call us so that we can contain them until the dart team arrive.

"There is no reason to be afraid, please remain calm especially if you see them so that we can get them safely back to the zoo.”