THE US dentist who killed Cecil the lion wanted to hunt a "very large elephant" after shooting the protected animal, the guide who led the trip has claimed.

Theo Bronkhorst faces criminal charges in Zimbabwe for his role in the famed big cat's death, which has sparked a furious public reaction.

Walter Palmer, who allegedly paid 50,000 dollars (£31,900) to track and shoot the animal, has said he was unaware the lion was protected and had relied on his local guide to ensure the hunt was legal.

Mr Bronkhorst said the expedition "went wrong from the beginning" because they were late setting off and had not intended to hunt on the land where Cecil was shot.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, he said he realised Cecil was protected only after the lion's death. He then hid its collar before taking its head and skin for Mr Palmer's “trophy".

Back in the UK, British troops could join efforts to ease traffic congestion in Kent as the migrant crisis shows no sign of abating.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is understood to be in the early stages of developing plans which could involve using land owned by the department to free up space on the M20.

MoD land around Folkestone could be used as a temporary lorry parks, it is understood civil authorities would lead any operation involving the use of military-owned land.

David Cameron, who has returned to the UK after a four-day tour of south-east Asia, will head to Westminster to chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee this morning.

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