CLAIMS that a black panther is roaming roads in the York area have intensified after more sightings across the city.
A sighting of the five-foot-long animal was first reported by Nikki Winterburn and Katie Ibbotson near their home in Lilac Avenue, Hull Road.
Since their story appeared, further sightings have been reported in Wigginton Road and on the A1237 near Acomb.
Ronnie Ronaldo, of Acomb, said he was driving to work at John Smiths Brewery in Tadcaster last summer and spotted the panther-like cat on the A1237 as he was heading towards the A64.
He said: "It was about 5.30am and it ran across the road. It was massive.
"I was sure it was a panther. I have two cats at home and they are not even half the size this was. It looked like it was chasing something."
York pensioner Madeline Sutton said she spotted the animal about a year ago when she was riding her moped in Wigginton Road.
She was heading towards the hospital when the animal appeared from trees 50 yards in front of her.
She watched it cross the road and go into fields.
She said: "There is no way that it was a dog. It was a panther," she said.
Updated: 10:06 Monday, April 12, 2004
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