The Sun.
London, England, 1861-01-07 00:00:00

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ALARMING AND FATA2 ACCID.E.ATT AT

ASTLEY'S TELITRE.—(This Day.)

FEROCIOUS ATTACK UV THE PERFORMING
LIONS ON THEIR KEEPERS.

This morning a morit alarming circumstance
occurred at Astley's Royal Amphitheatre, owing
to the escape of the whole of the the pro-
perty of Mr. Crocketcfrom their den, which occu-
pied a place very near the stage.

At about a quarter before eight this morning.
the men who usually attend to cart away
the manure were startled by the loud roaring
of the lions, but as they had on former occasions
heard somewhat similar sounds they proceeded with
their work as usual. The noise, however, did not
subside, but on the contrary increased, and in a
few minutes the men were horror struck at behold-
ing one of the lions struggling with a man named
Jarvey, a yard helper in the establishment. Mr.
Crockett's animal keeper was instantly sent for, and
arrived in a very few minutes but, he not having the
power over the infuriated beasts that Mr. Crockett
had, immediately sent for that gentleman. On the
arrival of Mr. Crockett he rushed on to the stage,
where the lion was running about with the unfor-
tunate man Jarvey in his mouth, to all appearance
quite dead. Mr. Crockett instantly seized a stable
fork, and dealt the lion a heavy blow on
the side of the head, which caused it to let
the man go; but, instead of running away, it
turned round and seemed inclined to spring upon
his master. Another powerful blow, however,
made the enraged animal turn round and run away.
Medical aid was immediately sought for poor
Jarvey, but on the arrival of the surgeon life was
found to be extinct.

After the body of Jarvey had been removed Mr.
Crockett went in search of the three lions who were
now roaming about the theatre. One was seen
running about at a remote corner of the stage,
another was in the arena, and the
other could not be seen. The lioness
was the first that was attempted to be secured, but
this was a work of extreme danger and difficulty,
as the assistants were all afraid of even approaching
the beast. On seeing Mr. Crockett the lioness
made a dash through the pit saloon, from
thence she rushed up the box staircase and
entered one of the private boxes, and
took up a most threatening attitude. No-
thing daunted Mr. Crockett entered the box
placed a leathern collar round her neck, and having
secured her head, she was hauled out of the place
by ropes and finally placed in security.
From the private box Mr. Crockett saw another
of the animals playing on the stage with a quan-
tity of ribbons and stage properties, and with
comparatively little difficulty it was placed again
in the cage, and after a few minutes search the
third was recaptures.

At half-past seven this morning the watchman of
the theatre, who is on duty all night, left, at which
hour, he says, all was perfectly quiet and safe,
as he partially noticed the lion's den. In consequence
of the large lion being unwell it had been parted
from its companions, and it is supposed that in en-
deavouring to join it one of the three lions in the
other compartment of the cage must have broken
down the partition and thus displaced the iron bars.
The greatest excitement and consternation pre-
vailed for some time in the theatre, and it required
Mr. Crockett's utmost persuasion to convince the
attendants that no further danger need be
apprehended.

A very searching inquiry will be made into all
the circumstances connected with the unfortunate
event before the coroner.

CRIMINAL COURT—Jas. 7.

OLD COURT.

The January Session of the Central Criminal Court com-
menced this morning before the Lord Mayor, the Recorder,
and the Sheriff.

The Recorder's charge was very brief owing to the
shortness of the time since the court last met and the few
prisoners awaiting trial.
A number of indictments found at the last session for
perjury and conspiracy in reference to the great leather
trade frauds will have to be disposed of, and they will be
placed on the judges' list on Wednesday.
The judges who will be present are the Lord Chief Baron,
Mr. Justice Blackburn, and Mr. Justice Keating.