Scottish villages warned to beware panther on prowl during air search

POLICE HAVE warned residents of two villages not to approach a suspected black panther on the loose in the area.

Police Scotland said they received a report of suspected sighting of the panther at around 8.45am yesterday in fields near to the B730 road between the villages of Drongan and Coalhall, East Ayrshire.

Residents have been advised to be vigilant and officers are currently trying to trace the animal.

A police helicopter was used to try and locate the big cat on Friday morning and an animal expert has been brought in attempt to confirm its identity.

The force said in a statement: “Residents in Drongan and Coalhall are being advised by officers to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages.

“Officers are currently working to locate the animal which may be injured.

“The area is popular with dog walkers so care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal we would ask you not to approach it, but to contact Police via 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday 19 October 2018.”

A spokeswoman added: “A thorough search of the area was carried out (yesterday) morning with assistance from the police helicopter.”