Police hunt reported lion near Essex seaside resort

Essex police on Monday deployed firearms officers and a helicopter as they launched a lion hunt following reports of a cat-like beast roaming in a field near the seaside resort of Clacton.

"The large cat, believed to be a lion, was seen in fields off Earls Hall Drive in St Oysth, near Clacton, just before 7pm on Sunday," an Essex police spokesman said.

Residents living in the St Osyth area are being advised to stay indoors.

A police spokesman said: "Public safety is our priority which is why we are taking the sighting and all associated evidence seriously.

"We have an increased police presence in the area which will offer reassurance to local residents, motorists and holidaymakers.

"For those who wish to take a walk in the countryside surrounding Clacton, then we would just ask them to be extra vigilant and cautious."

The spokesman added that a member of the public had reported finding a large footprint or pugmark.

He said around a dozen officers were involved in the search.

Roger Lord, of Earls Hall Farm, St Osyth, said a picture of the suspected lion had been taken by residents in caravans on the farm land and passed to police.

"The first thing we knew about it was a phone call from the police last night," he said.

"I am sceptical - I think it might just well be a large domestic cat but they certainly saw something that they were were concerned about and they went down the right route to the police.

Che Kevlin said he heard what he believed to be a roar whilst out walking his dog last night.

"I heard a loud roar at 10pm. It sounded like a lion," he told the BBC.

"It was worrying as we had just been for a walk with the dog. We saw the police helicopter but thought it was just searching for a person.

"It sounded like the roar of a lion. We have a field and wood just behind our fence, so you never know."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/police-hunt-reported-lion-near-essex-seaside-resort-083923364.html

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