BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A bear on ice skates attacked and killed a trainer at a Russian circus touring in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan, officials said.
Dimitry Potapov, 25, was dragged across an ice rink by the bear during a rehearsal for a show in Bishkek, the British newspaper The Sun reported. The bear caused critical injuries to an assistant, Yevgeny Popov, 29, who tried to help Potapov.
An eyewitness said the bear "tore Potapov's neck and legs to pieces."
The act was part of a Bears on Ice show by the Russian State Circus. Trained bears riding motorcycles, skating and even playing hockey have long been a part of Russian circus tradition, and fatal attacks are unusual.
Police shot the 5-year-old bear.
While the attack took place during a rehearsal, a large crowd was watching, the Novosti news agency reported.
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