HAVE you seen the beast of Acton Bridge?

A reader alerted the Guardian to sightings of a black, big cat-like creature prowling close to the River Weaver.

The Acton Bridge resident believes a dog has recently gone missing in the area and other local animals have been injured.

The concerned resident wrote to Guardian and said: “My father-in-law insists that he has twice seen a large black panther like cat prowling near the boat wreck at the locks near Acton Bridge.

“He has spoken to a local man who says that a dog has recently gone missing and other animals have been attacked.”

However, Nadine Pengilly, RSPCA inspector for the area, believes a panther strolling the countryside around Acton Bridge is very unlikely.

“I doubt it very much," she said. "If there was a panther it would kill all the cows and livestock down there.

“You do get some larger cats that could’ve been mistaken for a panther or big cat.

“I can’t for one minute believe that there’s a panther, I think it was probably just a big cat as otherwise there’d be a lot more damage.

"We do have lots of black cats though if anyone wants to adopt one!”

If you have witnessed any unusual goings-on, or seen what you believe to be the beast of Acton Bridge, then leave your comments below.