ARMED police officers were deployed to Dalton zoo and a man arrested on suspicion of blackmail following a report of vandalism at the park.

Cumbria Police said armed police were called in to attend South Lakes Safari Zoo as a precaution on Friday night.

The force confirmed that a 56-year-old man, from the Seascale area, was arrested on suspicion of blackmail and that he had been released on police bail.

Cumbria Police and Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, the new company which runs the zoo, both said there was no threat to the public and no animals were injured.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd said zoo management called the police to the site as part of standard emergency procedure.

A Cumbria Police spokesman today said: "Police were called to South Lakes Safari Zoo at 10.10pm on Friday to a report of vandalism to the premises.

"Officers and trained zoo staff attended the scene to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals and the public.

"Armed officers were deployed as a precaution. There was no perceived threat to the public and no animals were injured.

"The park was temporarily closed while some maintenance was undertaken.

"A 56-year-old man from the Seascale area was arrested on suspicion of blackmail and he has been released on police bail."

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd said at around 9pm on Friday night they received an email to inform them that the power supply to part of the zoo had been cut.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd said this part of the supply runs from a house that sits outside of the zoo perimeter, and that the continued supply of electricity is part of the lease agreement between the old zoo company, South Lakes Safari Zoo Ltd, and them.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd said contingencies had been put in place by zoo management to ensure there would be no risk to animals or public if the electricity supply was disrupted.

The spokesperson for Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd today said: "Having received word that this power supply had been cut off, in accordance with standard emergency procedure, zoo management called the police to site.

"The police entered the property to restore the power and a check of the animal collection was carried out to ensure that integrity had been maintained.

"There was, and continues to be no ongoing risk to animals or the public and, with a beautiful weather forecast for the week ahead it is business as usual."