A gorilla has escaped from its enclosure at London Zoo.

Although members of the public remain locked in, the zoo has insisted they are not at risk.

Staff armed with tranquiliser darts are roaming the zoo looking for the animal.

The incident comes just months after the gorilla Harambe was killed by staff at Cincinatti Zoo after it grabbed a child who had fallen into its enclosure.

In a short statement London Zoo said it is "managing an incident".

A spokesman was unable to confirm to The Independent whether zoo keepers were armed with tranquiliser darts or real bullets.

A member of staff has also told The Independent she hasn't been allowed to leave her building since staff received an email at 5.16pm about the situation.

A gorilla that escaped its enclosure at London Zoo has been recaptured. Staff at the zoo were forced to roam the premises armed with weapons as staff and visitors remained locked in for their own safety.