POLICE have issued an alert after reports that a panther-type creature has been worring sheep in the Broadway area.

The alarm was raised by a visitor to the Broadway Tower on Sunday.

After hearing strange noises, he followed the sounds and saw a sheep being attacked by a large black animal.

The tourist told police he was confident the animal was not a dog or a fox, and described it as being more like a panther.

Back in May, South Worcestershire Police investigated reports of the sighting of a lynx-like cat at Unipart's premises in Shinehill Lane, Evesham.

On that occasion the animal was described as being mousey brown in colour, with pointed ears and a tufted tail. It was about four feet long.

At the time, a police spokesman said: "We've discussed the sightings with Bob Lawrence, chief warden of West Midlands Safari Park and we're aware that there have been many sightings of large cats in the South Worcestershire area over a long period of time without any of them being properly authenticated. We're aware too that no members of the public have been injured in any way."

Referring to the most recent incident, police spokesman Mike Vockins said: "It's good that we have this expert advice available as a reassurance for members of the community, and to be aware that, if this animal was to prove to be a large cat-like animal, it's first and natural reaction almost certainly would be to run away from people. We stress that no-one should attempt to approach the animal if it is spotted."

Other members of the community who are able to offer any information should call West Mercia police on 08457 444888.