HEREFORDSHIRE’S big cat mystery has deepened with reports of the savaging of sheep in the same area as a sighting reported in last week’s Hereford Times.

Following our story, Pauline Mannion contacted us to say four of her sheep had been killed near Newtown crossroads in unknown circumstances.

Two had been killed in late November and another pair perished last week.

Last week, herefordtimes .com posted a video shot by Steve Hall of what appears to be a large feline-like animal walking across a field.

Mrs Mannion, who is now worried about the safety of her horses, has seen it but is unsure what it is.

“Perhaps there are big cats out there. I really don’t know,” said Mrs Mannion.

“If somebody has seen one I would have no reason to disbelieve them.”

Judith Haw, press officer for the RSPCA, said there was no evidence of big cats living in Britain but if anyone should come across one, they should keep away and contact the police.

“If they have other animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, they should consider keeping them inside if possible,”

she said.

The killings have been reported to police, who are making investigations.