Hilariously dimissive article at The Daily Mail

So, there are no big cats roaming the UK! Well I never....since the Essex lion farce all manner of 'people' have wormed their way out of the woodwork to scoff at big cat reports, even though those who research them or believe in them knew full well that the Essex lion affair was just a case of hysteria. Even so, take a look at this ludicrous blog: http://hanlonblog.dailymail.co.uk/2012/08/the-weird-history-of-the-essex-lion-and-his-relatives-.html#comments from a clearly intelligent chap who states quite categorically that there's no evidence for exotic cats in the UK and that they just be lumped alongside folkloric creatures such as Spring Heeled Jack. The article dismisses the thousands of exotic cat reports without once looking at a shred of evidence and I'm pretty sure this was written to massage the ego of the journalist in question or to spark a bit of controversy. Whilst stories such as the Essex lion make a mockery of genuine research, and yes, we've heard these stories countless times before, we've also heard the journalistic view before too - dire salivating from sceptical folk who venture no further than their keyboard in their quest for truth.

The only way isn't Essex for a lion...

The latest views on the Essex lion farce at: http://kentbigcats.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-only-way-isnt-essex.html

The beast of Hackney Marshes....well, not really.

In my book MYSTERY ANIMALS OF THE BRITISH ISLES: LONDON I devoted a small section to what became known, in the early 1980s, as the 'beast of Hackney Marshes,' not quite as mysterious sounding as the 'beast of Exmoor', but there you go. Anyway, in the early '80s there were rumours that a bear was on the loose around the marsh area and one snowy morning a group of boys claimed to have encountered the creature which somehow eluded police despite - allegedly - leaving behind a few mysterious footprints. And now we skip to 2012, and a link at Cryptomundo  from May (sorry I took so long to post it) which presents a photo some claim to be the elusive Hackney Marshes beast. Okay so it's a dog, but it keeps the legend alive!

Neil's article - TERROR IN THE THAMES - featured inside and on the cover of the July 2012 issue of Fortean Times

For those interested, the July 2012 issue of FORTEAN TIMES features an article by Neil Arnold called TERROR IN THE THAMES - which looks at cases of unusual fish and other creatures caught, sighted and rumoured to loiter in the Thames and various other London waterways - from ponds in Croydon and North London, to Thames tributaries. Sightings include the recent Olympic Park 'monster' mystery in which a Canada goose was seen to be dragged under the surface by an unknown predator, possibly a Wels catfish, large pike or snapping turtle. The article also looks at reports of sharks, alligators, crocodiles, and other alien species in London's waters. The magazine is available in all good newsagents. http://www.forteantimes.com/

Londonist reviews 'MYSTERY ANIMALS OF THE BRITISH ISLES: LONDON'

Read the review HERE

Neil Arnold's new book SHADOWS IN THE SKY - OUT NOW!

SHADOWS IN THE SKY: THE HAUNTED AIRWAYS OF BRITAIN







(Published by The History Press)


Press Release


For centuries mankind has reported unusual phenomena in the skies of Britain. From reports of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), strange winged creatures, and aerial ghosts. Now, for the first time ever, monster-hunter and author Neil Arnold has collated a vast amount of bizarre tales pertaining to those not only dark and stormy skies, but clear blue heavens which for many years have spat out all manner of anomalies.


With so many books being written about UFOs, Neil has decided to concentrate on the more unusual reports of unexplained aerial lights, such as aircraft encounters with peculiar objects, phantom flares, ghost lights, will-o-the-wisp’s and fairy lights. The book also features a chapter on spectral aircraft – mainly war-planes which continue to be seen on foggy moors long after they’ve been shot down. There is also coverage of ghostly airmen, phantasmal helicopters and ghost rockets, and not forgetting haunted airports and airfield’s. However, if you thought these chapters were weird (or not weird enough!) then wait until you read about the winged monsters said to have plagued British skies for many centuries. Fantastic tales of dragons, said to have appeared all over the UK, from the cattle-plucking beasts of Welsh lore to London’s flying serpents. Winged, red-eyed humanoids also sneak into the pages, coverage given to classic aerial anomalies such as the Owlman of Cornwall, the Hythe monster, and the lesser known Hertfordshire ‘Mothman’ and the like. Griffins, giant birds, leather-winged batmen, flying jellyfish and sky-bound horses and dogs, occupy a surreal Ark also inhabited by spectral birds and feathery omens of death….and don’t forget a few tales of harmonious angels


When you’ve escaped the ethereal menagerie, you’ll be scratching your head at tales of all manner of bizarre items and objects that have fallen from the sky. Whilst pennies, fish and frogs may be known to many Fortean’s, obscure cases in relation to falls of snails, slime, metal, wheat, clothes, blood and even excrement may be more unknown! And let’s not forget a chapter on those pesky phantom airships, aerial roads and buildings, flying boats, and yep, you’ve guessed it, even a flying pig! This is a book for monster hunters, UFO spotters, ghost investigators, and the insane.


With a foreword by author Nick Redfern, SHADOWS IN THE SKY: THE HAUNTED AIRWAYS OF BRITAIN is one book that’ll have you reaching for your umbrella. Those who dare pull their eyes away from the skies, can purchase the book from Amazon, and all good bookshops.


Neil Arnold is the author of several books, such as MONSTER! THE A-Z OF ZOOFORM PHENOMENA, MYSTERY ANIMALS OF THE BRITISH ISLES: LONDON, and MYSTERY ANIMALS OF THE BRITISH ISLES: KENT. He is a full-time lecturer on mystery animals.


ISBN – 9780752465630 For enquiries contact The History Press on 01453 883300

London's demon cat

Over at his Shuker Nature blog, zoologist friend Dr Karl Shuker looks at an intriguing case regarding a war-time monster cat. Read more HERE