A CIRCUS elephant that slipped while being unloaded has crushed a man to death.

The elephant was part of the Stardust Circus that was to have started performances at Yamba, on the Far North Coast, yesterday.

No details have been released about the identity of the victim, although early reports indicated it was a man, possibly a handler.

Witnesses said it appeared to be an older man, possibly in his 60s.

It is also believed the elephant was Arna, the same which became mired in controversy when animal liberationists took civil action against the circus, alleging animal cruelty, in 2002.

Police confirmed the elephant was being unloaded at 5.15pm when the accident occurred. It appeared the circus had only arrived that morning and started setting up at Angourie Rd Sports Reserve.

While police and circus staff milled around the scene, the big top remained only partially erected.

Police said the elephant was being led down a ramp off a truck when it slipped.

The elephant landed on the man who went into cardiac arrest and died.

His body remained at the scene while police awaited forensic investigators.

Stardust Circus did not return calls.