THIS is the terrifying moment a furious crocodile chows down on a trainer's arm in front of dozens of horrified spectators at a show.

The gory spectacle unfolded in the Phokkathara zoo in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, yesterday after the croc apparently had enough of being teased.

5 In hindsight, maybe this was not a good idea Credit: Viral Press

Video filmed by an onlooker shows the reptile handler performing a stunt which involved reaching inside the creature's jaws.

As he began pushing deeper down the croc's throat he looked at the audience before telling the announcer to stop the music.

But the reptile struck back - suddenly chomping down and clamping its teeth into the man’s forearm before shaking him violently from side-to-side.

The performer was heard letting out an agonising howl before freeing himself and staggering away with blood dripping on the wet tiles.

5 The jaws clamp down and the man screams out in utter pain Credit: Viral Press

5 The beast then writhes round with the performer's arm clamped in its jaws Credit: Viral Press

5 The animal was using its terrific strength to toss the man around like a rag doll Credit: Viral Press

The astonishing scene was captured by Khun Phusawit, 35, who had been visiting the Phokkathara Crocodile Farm and zoo with wife Nok and their two children.

Mr Phusawit said: ''The show was very good until that happened. I hope that the man is OK and he gets better soon.

''Everybody was shocked when it happened. The kids were a little bit scared.

''I've watched the clip back many times to see how it happened and the crocodile seems to not like having the hand in his mouth.''

5 Lucky for him, the crocodile was not hungry and let him go Credit: Viral Press

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The owner of the crocodile park, Dong Wittawat, said today the trainer who had been bitten was treated at the farm with bandaging to his arm.

Dong Wittawat said: ''The performer is fine. His name is Tao and he is 45.

"The crocodile does not have a name.

''He was was treated at the farm with bandaging. He loves crocodiles and he will be working again soon in the next two weeks. It is very rare for this to happen.''

The Phokkathara Crocodile Farm includes a live show and houses dozens of different types of animals.

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