Police reveal 'big cat' sightings

Some of the big cats have been described as looking like pumas

There have been 13 reported sightings of so-called big cats across Shropshire over the last three years, police have revealed.

One of them by a policeman prompted officers to carry out a late night search in Dawley, Telford.

Details of the sightings were released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The locations have included built-up areas including the Forge Retail Park in Telford and outside Shrewsbury's cinema, according to reports.

Local big cat enthusiasts said they were surprised to hear about sightings in built-up areas.

The figures show there were five sightings between February 2007 and February 2008.

Other places said to have been visited by big cats include Old Potts Way in Shrewsbury, Silkin Way and Donnington Wood Way in Telford, Lydbury North and Ackleton.