'Big cat' attacks man in garden

**xdir** · 22nd March 2005

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4370893.stm

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=629 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>'Big cat' attacks man in garden

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The victim described a "big black figure" pouncing on him

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>A man has been attacked by a large cat-like animal which jumped out from bushes in his garden during the night.

Anthony Holder said a 6ft-long black animal pounced, knocked him to the ground, then mauled him with its claws for about 30 seconds.

He said "I am 6ft and weigh 15 stone and it was considerably stronger and bigger than me. This thing was huge."

Police were called to Sydenham Park in south-east London and one officer saw a cat "about the size of a Labrador dog".

'Teeth out'

Armed officers arrived soon after and a search of the nearby railway line and allotments was carried out.

Mr Holder was looking for his kitten at the bottom of his garden, which backs onto woodland, when the powerful creature attacked him.

He described how a "big black figure pounced" and he was "in its claws for about 30 seconds".

"Its teeth were out and I tried to defend myself and eventually I got the thing off my body."

He was scratched all over his body and suffered swelling and bruising to his hand and the back of his head.

Police warning

The animal, which Mr Holder is convinced was a panther, then went and sat in the garden next-door and he called the police

The Metropolitan Police have mounted extra patrols in the area, which is largely residential and backs on to a railway line.

They have warned people not to approach the animal and to keep pets inside. The RSPCA and London Zoo are being consulted for specialist advice. Inquiries are also being made to trace exactly where the animal may have come from.

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**Mule** · 22nd March 2005

People have been saying for a long time that there's wild panthers in England. I suppose this one just got bored of living in the country and decided to make it's fortune in London. Once it got there though it couldn't get a job so now spends it's time drunk on white lightning and special brew attacking strangers for booze money.

**The Toker** · 23rd March 2005

Originally Posted by Mule

People have been saying for a long time that there's wild panthers in England. I suppose this one just got bored of living in the country and decided to make it's fortune in London. Once it got there though it couldn't get a job so now spends it's time drunk on white lightning and special brew attacking strangers for booze money.

I laughed my "man tits" off when I read that Mule. That's class.

God bless being able to smoke weed at work at 0511hrs and being so entertained by DF !!

**Shotgunjim** · 23rd March 2005

Doesnt suprise me that there are wild animals in 'Sarf Larndon'!

**Tommy J** · 23rd March 2005

Love it!

It was about six foot long!!!!

When the police turned up it was the size of a Labrador.

Wow this thing must be a new bread of cat/dog. It manages to change size when the police turn up.

I wonder if it uses dog johnnies (thank bertroot for the thread)