A FRESH wave of big cat sightings in Gwent has prompted a warning from police for people to take care.

Officers in Monmouthshire have issued a warning to local people about a panther or puma on the loose in the area.

There have been several sightings recently of what may be the "Beast of Trellech" which caused panic in the area last year and attacked Josh Hopkins, an 11-year-old schoolboy from the village.

Following the latest alleged sightings, Gwent Police have seached the area with a helicopter using heat-seeking equipment and are believed have placed the Army on standby.

The most recent sighting was reported six days ago at Vauxhall Fields, near to Monmouth town centre, much closer to the centre of the town than any previous sighting.

Animal and wildlife experts now firmly believe that species like pumas and panthers are breeding in parts of the UK and the Monmouthshire area appears to be a big cat hotspot.

There were 12 sightings recorded after the attack on Josh Hopkins, which included a Monmouth motorist who was forced to swerve her car when she saw a cat standing in the road between St Arvan's and Devauden near Chepstow.