More sightings of big black cat in York area (From Gazette & Herald)

More sightings of big black cat in York area

SIGHTINGS of a big black wild cat continue to be reported in the York area.

Acomb man Bob Adams says he and his wife spotted a panther crossing the A1237, near to the A19 roundabout, before it vanished into bushes on the York side of the ring road. "It was like a big black cat," said Bob, "but much bigger than an everyday, household cat. It ran right in front of us across the road. It was the first time I had seen one."

Pensioner John Berridge claims to have spotted the giant cat in early April outside his neighbour's house in Knapton Lane, Acomb.

He says he made the sighting at about 5.30am. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "It was eating something on a grass verge. I ran to get my camera, but I must have rattled the window with it, because it quickly ran off.

"It crossed the road within three giant leaps and disappeared into some woodland. It must have been five feet long. It was definitely not a domestic cat or dog. I just don't know what to think."

Kevan Holmes, 48, of Brecksfield, Skelton, claims he saw a large, black fox or panther-like creature while walking his dogs on the bridleway between Skelton and Rawcliffe. "Both my dogs froze when it stopped to stare at us. It snarled before running off. It could have been a panther, but it actually looked more like a big, black fox. It's a real mystery."

Ian Hardcastle, of Huntington, said he spotted a giant black cat on grass near Wheldrake golf course a few weeks ago. "I looked up and saw this huge big black cat charging across the grass and pouncing on something. It was Alsatian-size, possibly bigger, but it ran like a cat rather than a dog."

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, April 21, 2004