More sightings of the Malmesbury big cat

10:57am Thursday 1st November 2007

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By Andy Woolfoot »

THE Malmesbury big cat continues to roam the area with more sightings being reported of a large panther-like creature.

Last week the Standard revealed a big cat was believed to be living in the area on the outskirts of town after a number of residents claimed to see it in the same field at different times.

Experts believe big cats would behave similarly to other wild mammals and settle in an area if shelter and food is available and they do not feel threatened.

It has also been seen in other surrounding areas, including a farm in Hullavington.

Oaksey resident David Reeve saw it in a field behind his garden last Sunday at 8am.

He said: "I saw it for quite a long time. It was in the field at the back of my property and it had been drinking from the pond.

"It stopped and looked straight at me for a minute and a half. I saw it from about 200 yards away with my binoculars.

"It was just pure black with a thick, black tail and pointy ears. I would say it was at least four times the size of a normal black cat.

"These things can travel miles if they are on the loose. It seemed quite brazen."

Sgt Dave Stevenson, of Malmesbury Police, said: "If anyone sees it we would not advise them to approach it or get too close to it. Take a careful note of its location and report it. We will investigate."