Footage of the incident was filmed in Karrebæksminde, where the animals named Lara, Jenny and Jungla were being led down to the water to cool off after a hard day performing. 

When it was time to leave the water the animals became restless, prompting one of the circus employees to beat the animal. 

Rather than calming the three animals down, it only led to them becoming even more agitated, escaping their handlers and rampaging through the seaside town - smashing and lifting cars with their trunks and chasing terrified holidaymakers. 

Footage from the scene shows tourists scattering as the elephants trample over a low fence towards a stationary vehicle. 

Without any hesitation one elephant charges the vehicle, using its trunk to lift it several feet off the ground before allowing it to crash back down.

The Vauxhall car ended up with its window and bonnet smashed, according to 9News.com, who also reported that a woman was injured when one of the elephants knocked her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on the cobblestone paving. 

For their part, the circus is refusing to take any responsibility for the incident, saying the tourists should not have been so close to the elephants and the cars were park in the wrong place.

The organisers also said the rampage would not cause the circus to reconsider forcing elephants to take part in performances, but reportedly confirmed that they would be working with the police in the future to ensure the elephants' path is not obstructed by holidaymakers. 

A major reason for male elephants to become aggressive is them entering a state known as musth.

Translated from Hindi as 'madness', musth is a period of several weeks, or even months, during which the bull elephant's testosterone levels may peak to up to 60 times higher than usual.

Something else that could trigger an attack is a traumatic memory the elephant may have.

As is already widely known, elephants have incredible memories and will often remember those who have hurt or helped them or their loved ones many years later. Sometimes the animal may become confused, however, and mistake one car for another vehicle they have previously confronted.

The video comes just a week after a photographer was confronted by a charging white rhino in South Africa's Kruger National Park

He was first alerted to the rhino's presence when he heard a rustle in bushes nearby. Seconds later, the angry creature shot out on to a dirt track and charged straight at him. 

(dailymail.co.uk)