Back to 2008 English News

  "I Saw the Beast of Bevendean"

Big Cats in Britain

English News - can you add to this story? email here

BCIB NEW blog spot

    
   
   
   
   


Sidney Khaliq

"I Saw the Beast of Bevendean" By Simon Barrett

The Argus: 13th June 2008

The Argus
   
Sidney Khaliq, with Stitch, says the creature was like a cross between a cat and a dog A woman has spoken of the moment she came face to face with the suspected Beast of Bevendean.
Sidney Khaliq, 24, was walking her boyfriend's Jack Russell, Stitch, in the grassland behind Kenilworth Close when she saw the 2ft tall animal.
The accounts assistant, of Kenilworth Close, thought she saw a feral dog or wolf lurking in the bushes.
She said: "I was walking the dog when it ran ahead of me, as it always does. Then I saw something in the bushes.
"The dog ran towards it but I called him back. Then Stitch got scared and bolted in the opposite direction.
"It looked like a cross between a cat and a dog. It was staring out of the bushes, just looking over at us. Stitch ran off in the opposite direction and I ran off as well."
Sidney's scare, which happened in March, is the latest in a string of sightings of the animal residents are dubbing the Beast of Bevendean.
The big cat is said to be larger than a dog and has been seen in woods. The savaged remains of animals, such as rabbits, have also been found by walkers.
Big-cat experts believe there could be two predators roaming the woodland - a lynx and a panther.
Golfer Lawrence Wadey said he saw the animal in August last year while playing at East Brighton Golf Club.
Mr Wadey said: "I've seen this cat or whatever it is when out practising one evening.
"It was prowling up the side of the second hole and is somewhere between the size of a big cat and a panther.
"It is sandy in colour. I was about 300 yards away and that was plenty close enough. There is no question of whether it existed or not."
This week The Argus reported how domestic pets and their owners have been frightened by a large cat in Bevendean.
Bill Batchelor, of Bodiam Avenue, Bevendean, told how his English pointer dog, Angus, was attacked by a sharp-toothed beast.
Neil Arnold, from Kent Big Cat Research, said: "I've had reports of puma and black panther in the area, especially in Portslade and Patcham. There have also been sightings of lynx, which have mottled greyed fur."
Have you spotted the Beast? Call The Argus newsdesk on 01273 544538 or tell us below.

Do you have any information on the above reports. Were you the person involved, or are you aware of any more sightings in this area. We would appreciate any information that you could give us.

Have your say on the forum.