Man who shot polar bear makes first appearance since Norway attack

SWNS

He spent over two weeks in hospital and underwent several operations, but the man who shot and killed a polar bear after it attacked him, killed a student and injured three others has made his first public appearance.

Michael Reid bore the scars from the attack, which left him with a broken jaw, fractured skull, and a damaged eye socket.

The bear at one point had Michael's head in his jaws. But despite everything, he still managed a smile when students and lecturers at Plymouth University gave him a standing ovation.

Michael was there as a guest of honour to Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who was receiving an honorary doctorate in science.

The famous adventurer applauded Michael's 'brave' and 'courageous' actions in Svalbard, Norway, after he managed to shoot the bear in the head.

Michael was one of the expedition leaders on the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) trip, which saw the group camping on the Von Postbreen glacier near Longyearbyen on Svalbard, north of the Norwegian mainland.

According to the Daily Mail, it is thought the bear successfully sneaked up on the camp after a trip wire failed to activate the 'bear scarer'.

The attack saw student Horatio Chapple, 17, lose his life, while the two other boys sharing his tent, Patrick Flinders, and Scott Bennell-Smith, were injured, along with another expedition leader, Andy Ruck.