Insane Circus Performer Quickly Regrets Sticking His Head Into A Crocodile’s Mouth

This is the heart-stopping moment a circus crocodile tamer has his face bitten by the huge beast.

The man was entertaining crowds at a circus on Saturday night in Ha Nam province, Vietnam.

Captured on a cell phone video it shows the moment a circus performer placed his head into the open mouth of “trained” crocodile as a part of his act.

The regular animal that had been performing the stunt for many years had died earlier in the day and it was left to an inexperienced younger stand-in reptile.

The man puts his head inside the crocodile's mouth but seconds later it clamps down its jaws and thrashes its head from side to side.

Crowds in Ha Nam, Vietnam can be heard screaming in shock as he rips his bloodied cheek from the reptile's grasp.

He was left covered in blood from puncture wounds and torn cheeks, and clearly in distress.

Pham Van High, Thanh Liem District Chairman, said the circus troupe was part of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and officials were now investigating and speaking to witnesses.

"There was rainy weather on Saturday evening but the circus entertainers did not want to betray the audience", Pham said.

"Prior to the performances, the circus brought a crocodile but unfortunately it died and the replacement crocodile was put on instead."

Fortunately, the actor was only wounded in the incident. Now he is being treated in hospital in Henan province.

Watch the terrifying footage here: