A circus worker has been seriously injured in an incident which is understood to have involved two elephants at a circus in Cork city.

The incident happened at around 6pm at Courtney Brothers Circus, which has been performing at the old Sunbeam site at Blackpool.

Wayne Courtney from Courtney Brothers Circus said workers were getting ready for tonight's performance when the incident happened in the elephant pen.

He said he understands one elephant hit another and the injured man got a knock as a result. He said reports that the elephant fell on top of the worker are untrue.

He said the man will make a full recovery.

Eye witnesses say the man was treated at the scene by an HSE Rapid Response Unit and by paramedics.

It is understood he was rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

His injuries are understood not to be life threatening.

The two elephants involved in today’s incident are understood not to include the elephant which escaped on Wednesday.

Animal Rights Campaigners have complained about conditions at the circus after ''Baby'' broke out of her enclosure and ran 200 metres through the crowded car park of an adjoining retail park.