Great Wigborough -- A black panther-like creature was spotted hunting in a village near Colchester, police have revealed.

Officers were called by a resident who said he saw the so-called beast of Essex in a field off School Lane, Great Wigborough, at about 10.50am yesterday (Sep 30).

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Essex Police, said: "He said he saw about 100 yards away a large black cat which had just killed a rabbit."

After watching the animal feast on its kill the witness contacted the force to warn them the large predator was on the loose.

The sighting is the latest one in a spate across north and mid Essex.

Debbie Lowe and Barry Hasler saw an animal bigger than a fox "with a slinky tail and a big head" while driving towards the Compasses at Littley Green, near Felsted.

In February last year shocked motorist Tony Key said he saw a black panther-like creature on the prowl near the Cross Keys pub in White Notley. Shortly before that Hilary Sparkes said she spotted a panther-like creature while walking her dog near her home in Dedham.

• Story originally published by:
Evening Gazette, Basildon via This is Essex / England - Oct 01.01

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