Cameraman snaps 'panther' in woods (From Free Press Series)

Cameraman snaps 'panther' in woods

A GWENT photographer produced a picture which he claims shows a black panther in woodland outside Cwmbran.

Norman Evans' shot was taken just 25 feet away from the beast, he claims, and Gwent Police have issued a warning to local people not to approach the cat if they see it.

"This isn't more than a mile from people's homes, and just three from the centre of town," said the 43-year-old amateur photographer from Upper Cwmbran,

He added: "People need to know for their own safety, and also for the sake of the animal - we're hoping people won't start going up in droves.

"I have no doubt this is a big cat - either a panther or as some experts have told us, a black leopard."

Mr Evans made his shock discovery last week, while out on a photo shoot with Gwent glamour model Hayley Evans.

He said he sought verification from experts before going public and causing a panic, but claims some-one he spoke to let the cat out of the bag. "I had been taking pictures of Hayley in the woods above Henllys.

"I was walking around looking for another suitable spot when I saw this black shape through the view-finder," said Mr Evans.

He added: "I just took the picture and backed away - it was sheer, total shock." The image appears to show a black panther feeding on a bird in the clearing. Feathers still mark the spot of the alleged sighting.

"I just said to Hayley, 'get your stuff together and get back to the jeep now'," said Mr Evans.

Miss Evans said: "I just can't face going up there anymore.

"I'm too frightened after having seen the picture - it's so scary to think it's on the loose up there."