Police Search After Big Cat Seen
A big cat sighting by a policeman prompted officers into a late-night
search near a Shropshire pub.
The officer called in colleagues after seeing "a very large black cat"
near The White Horse in Dawley, Telford.
But the search by a "handful" of officers during the early hours of
Friday found no trace of the beast.
It is the third sighting of a big cat within a week in the town,
including one by two rangers who spotted a large cat in the nearby
Town Park.
Pc Pete Simmonds, of Telford Police, said the off-duty officer had
reported the sighting at about 0315 GMT.
"They went down to have a look around but whatever it was had
disappeared," he said.
The officer had said the cat was as high as a car bonnet, or
Labrador-sized, with a long tail.
"A lot of websites say these sightings are very large domestic cats,
but this is one hell of a cat - imagine the cat-flap you would need,"
said Pc Simmonds.
An earlier sighting of a large cat in the town was reported on 18
November and then the two rangers reported seeing a cat on 21 November.
Pc Simmonds said police were working alongside Telford and Wrekin
Council and officers have been told to be vigilant while patrolling
the area.
He also offered advice to anyone who spots a large cat.
"Animals will avoid contact with humans and generally flee," he said.
"Never approach one, stay calm and back away slowly, don't run."
BBC News: 27th November 2006
