Berlin search for suspected lioness continues 

Police in Berlin are searching for an animal they believe is a lioness roaming the south-western outskirts of the area.

Police have been receiving calls and a video alerting them to the wild animal at about midnight on Wednesday and immediately began searching. 

At least 30 police cars were deployed and veterinarians were called to assist in the search for the big cat. 

Residents have been told to stay inside until the animal is found. 

As night fell, the animal remained elusive as police hunted using night vision and thermal imaging equipment. 

While the number of officers has been reduced, Beate Ostertag of Berlin police told public broadcaster RBB that police would “be in action until the animal is found”.

A video shared on Twitter – which police believe is real – also appeared to show a lioness in a heavily forested residential area of Kleinmachnow.

However, it is unclear where the animal came from. Local zoos, animal sanctuaries and circuses said no lions have escaped from their facilities.