The beast of Essex has been spotted for a third time, hunting in the fields around Weeley.

Scene - the area off the A133 where a retired policeman made his sighting. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN 40644-1

A retired policeman driving in the early morning traffic along the A133 saw what he believes was a black panther.

Richard Dartnall was travelling to work from his Clacton home when he got stuck in slow-moving traffic at 8.50am yesterday.

"It was unbelievable, but it was clear as day just some 150 yards away. I am 100 per cent convinced it was a black panther."

Mr Dartnall said while he was stuck in traffic travelling towards Colchester, near Honeypot Farm in Weeley Heath, he looked across the field opposite the farm and saw the big cat walking along the hedgeline.

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Published Wednesday, January 26, 2005

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