An investigation is underway after a runaway circus elephant attacked and killed a man in south-west Germany.

The 65-year-old victim was attacked by the animal as he went on a morning walk in woods near the town of Buchen.

Baby, the 34-year-old African elephant, reportedly has a history of injuring people.

She was later captured and returned to the circus last night.

Police are now investigating how the animal got loose.

“At this time we know that an elephant broke free and ran away from its enclosure," a police spokesman said.

"We don't know how it managed to do so. We can't rule out external tampering," he added.