PEOPLE in Blaenavon have described the moment they came face-to-face with a big cat.

Police say they have received several reports in the past month that a black panther-type creature has been spotted in and around the town - now being dubbed the 'Beast of Blaenavon'.

The most recent sighting came on Wednesday when Gerry Woodhouse, from Brankleys Houses, off Llanover Road, saw a panther-like creature walk along his garden wall.

His partner, Susan Fiander, 40, said they believe that on Saturday morning, while they were away from home, the beast returned and slaughtered a goose, chicken and two ducks they kept as pets in their back garden.

She said: "There was absolute carnage and we believe there is a savage cat out there. "About six weeks ago, one of our geese just disappeared and we've got a four foot wall surrounding the property which would make it impossible for a fox to have taken it.

"I'm worried for the safety of people, particularly children, and especially with summer holidays approaching".

Ms Fiander believes the remainder of her animals were saved from being wiped out by the intervention of her next-door-neighbour's female rough collie who broke out of its fenced kennel.

Breeze, aged five, who is owned by 49-year-old Paul Teague, may well have come face-to-face with the beast.

He said: "Something definitely spooked her and there was something very big in here. I think there is a genuine cause for concern and the matter should be taken seriously".

Ian Parfitt, aged 48, from Cwmavon Road, said he was shocked to see a big cat he believed to be a black panther jump out of a skip as he walked near Blaenavon leisure centre at around midnight a few weeks ago.

He said the animal had a body which was about four feet long - a description which is consistent with most sightings.

PC Gary Lawrence, from Blaenavon police station, said: "We are taking the matter very seriously as we've had several reliable sightings in recent weeks".

* Pictured: Paul Teague with pet collie Breeze, which may have scared off a big cat