A lion was recorded roaming the streets of an Italian coastal town for several hours after breaking free from a circus.

Footage depicted the large cat strolling through dim and deserted streets of Ladispoli, near Rome, on Saturday evening.

Mayor Alessandro Grando cautioned residents to stay indoors while police and circus personnel endeavored to apprehend the animal.

In a Facebook post, more than five hours after his initial message raised the alarm, Mr. Grando stated that the lion had been “sedated and captured.”

“Now he will be taken in hand by the circus staff,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to emergency services and volunteers who assisted in bringing the beast, reportedly named Kimba, under control.

“I hope that this episode can stir some consciences and that we can finally put an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses,” the mayor added.