A BIG cat has been sighted again - in New Mill.
Two parents taking children to Kirkroyds Infants School spotted the beast lurking in a field yards from the school and both are adamant that it was neither a large cat nor a dog.
News of the sightings come only days after fears that a large cat - possibly a black panther - had been seen prowling in fields near Meltham.
Previous sightings have been in Birchencliffe and in Hade Edge.
And, of course, it follows an offer of £500 from the Examiner for photographs of the mystery beast.
Yesterday's sightings were reported to police by Christine Wood, head teacher at Kirkroyds Infants School.
She said: "Both parents came to see me independently and were genuinely concerned they had seen something.
"Both said they had spotted it in the field off Kirkroyds Lane, as they walked their children to the school.
"They said it was very dark and certainly larger than either a cat or a dog."
The field is bordered by hedges and shrubs, but is close to the main road.
Police confirmed the sightings had been reported.
Mrs Wood said: "I went out to have a look around but I'm sorry to say I saw nothing. But both parents were convinced there was something there."
Our offer of £500 for photographs of the beast still stands, but to dissuade tricksters we'll pay up only after a photo has been verified by an independent big cat expert and a photography expert - so no Photoshop spoofs!
We also need to be sure that the picture was taken in our area. The positioning of a wall or a field should be enough for us to be satisfied that a photo is genuine.
But Examiner editor Roy Wright said: "There are two very important rules to remember. One, if you see it, don't approach it or try to hurt it. And two, don't put yourself in danger - your safety must come first."
If you have a picture of the beast, or have seen it, ring our newsdesk on 01484 437712.
