Tiger on the loose near Disneyland Paris

A young tiger is on the loose near Disneyland Paris.

The town of Montevrain sent a news alert on its Facebook page saying the young tiger was spotted behind some tennis courts and a football pitch.

ALERTE INFO ---- ALERTE INFO

Un jeune tigre a été aperçu ce matin dans les bosquets derrière les courts de... http://t.co/eJWSCYqj5L

— Ville de Montevrain (@Montevrain77) November 13, 2014

The pitch is about five-and-a-half miles from the popular tourist theme park.

Town authorities said in a statement that police and rescue squads are on the scene and had roped off a security perimeter.

They urged everyone nearby to avoid the area and to get around only by vehicle – not on foot.

EuroDisney, the operator of Disneyland Paris, said it has no tigers in the theme park, so the errant cat could not have come from them.

Update 4.30pm:

Meanwhile, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said: "PETA urges authorities to show restraint and compassion in dealing with this tiger on the loose.

"Tigers who are relegated to prison-like cages in zoos and circuses are ticking time bombs. They are denied everything that is natural and important to them. Every aspect of their lives is controlled and manipulated.

"They are housed in cages that don't begin to compare to the jungles, deserts and forests that are their natural homes. They have no choice in their diets, mates or living companions.

"The physical and mental frustrations of captivity often lead to abnormal, neurotic and even self-destructive behaviour. Is it any wonder that animals who spend their lives behind bars make a break for it when an opportunity presents itself?

"This situation, however upsetting, is entirely preventable and should serve as a wake-up call to the public about the perils of keeping wild animals in captivity.

"PETA will be calling on the courts to punish the people responsible for putting this animal and Parisians in harm's way."