Thursday 24 December 2009
Neil Arnold in the CFZ hot-seat!
Neil Arnold is asked five cryptozoology-related questions by the CFZ's Oll Lewis. Read it HERE
Sunday 20 December 2009
West Dulwich cat encounter covered by This Is Local London
The recent inaccuracies reported by the press in regards to Roger Fleming's 'big cat' encounter, continue courtesy of THIS IS LOCAL LONDON
Saturday 19 December 2009
Soho's bird of death.
Neil's latest Saturday Strangeness investigates a phantasmal creature from 1940s London.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Big cat chases jogger...is the 'beast' of Sydenham back ?
From the NEWSSHOPPER December 14th 2009:
A JOGGER was forced to run for his life after encountering the infamous Beast of Sydenham.
Father-of-four Roger Fleming, 40, was on a late night run with his puppy King on December 9 near Sydenham Hill station when a giant cat chased them through Dulwich Wood.
Mr Fleming believes the creature, which he says looked like a brown cheetah, was the Beast of Sydenham, seen several times in the area over the years.The building services manager first saw the beast at the bottom of a path in the wood.
He said: “It was at least five or six feet long.“I thought to myself ‘what the hell is this?’ That’s when the panic set in.“It sat there, locked its eyes on to me, sat up and - boom - it started running towards us.”
Mr Fleming grabbed hold of his Staffordshire bull terrier and ran through the wood. He said: “I looked over my shoulder and could see it still running at me.“I was just thinking ‘please stop’. It was knackering and I was almost ready to give up.“I was thinking ‘this is it - I think I’m going to die’.”
After realising the beast had given up the chase, Mr Fleming rushed home to Dulwich and read about other sightings on the News Shopper website.He said: “When I got home I was almost in tears the adrenalin was pumping through me so fast.“I swear an oath to God never to go to that same part at night again.“There should be signs telling people to take some caution because they’re walking around willy-nilly.”
Neil Arnold, a researcher who runs KENT BIG CAT RESEARCH said the beast is believed to be a black leopard, the offspring of pets released into the wild.He said: “He should have stood his ground, maintained eye contact and backed off slowly - but it’s easy to say that.“People don’t need to panic because big cats won’t harm them.“I do this full-time to let people know that these animals aren’t a threat.”
A JOGGER was forced to run for his life after encountering the infamous Beast of Sydenham.
Father-of-four Roger Fleming, 40, was on a late night run with his puppy King on December 9 near Sydenham Hill station when a giant cat chased them through Dulwich Wood.
Mr Fleming believes the creature, which he says looked like a brown cheetah, was the Beast of Sydenham, seen several times in the area over the years.The building services manager first saw the beast at the bottom of a path in the wood.
He said: “It was at least five or six feet long.“I thought to myself ‘what the hell is this?’ That’s when the panic set in.“It sat there, locked its eyes on to me, sat up and - boom - it started running towards us.”
Mr Fleming grabbed hold of his Staffordshire bull terrier and ran through the wood. He said: “I looked over my shoulder and could see it still running at me.“I was just thinking ‘please stop’. It was knackering and I was almost ready to give up.“I was thinking ‘this is it - I think I’m going to die’.”
After realising the beast had given up the chase, Mr Fleming rushed home to Dulwich and read about other sightings on the News Shopper website.He said: “When I got home I was almost in tears the adrenalin was pumping through me so fast.“I swear an oath to God never to go to that same part at night again.“There should be signs telling people to take some caution because they’re walking around willy-nilly.”
Neil Arnold, a researcher who runs KENT BIG CAT RESEARCH said the beast is believed to be a black leopard, the offspring of pets released into the wild.He said: “He should have stood his ground, maintained eye contact and backed off slowly - but it’s easy to say that.“People don’t need to panic because big cats won’t harm them.“I do this full-time to let people know that these animals aren’t a threat.”
Sunday 13 December 2009
Saturday 28 November 2009
Thursday 26 November 2009
Neil to appear on COAST TO COAST AM radio
At 6:00 am (UK time - December 1st) - 11:30 pm (US time - November 30th) Neil be appearing on COAST TO COAST AM RADIO discussing his research into monsters and sinister folklore. COAST TO COAST AM is presented by George Noory and receives over four-million listeners, covering 500 radio stations.
You can link to the show HERE
You can link to the show HERE
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Neil interviewed at THE LONDON WORD
Neil discusses his research and many strange creatures, from vampires to 'big cats', at THE LONDON WORD
Sunday 1 November 2009
Sunday 25 October 2009
Thylacine in London ?
Of course not, but Neil's latest episode of the SATURDAY STRANGENESS looks at some of the more cryptozoological creatures housed at London's Natural History Museum, including a stuffed Tasmanian Tiger.
Beast of Catford!
Overat the Sydenham Town Forum, a woman named Coral on 16th October 2009 reported the following:
'A month ago whilst walking home along Datchet Road, Catford between 22.00 and 22.30hrs I saw what appeared to be a big cat. It was strolling between cars and front pathways of houses. I had no idea of previously reported sightings of black panthers and such like until my daughter later informed me of such. It was not black but more a brownish colour. The height was about 2 - 3ft high, thin body frame and it's fur was much shorter than a pet cat. The head was definetly that of the cat family. Make no mistake about it all you doubting Thomas's out there, a big Cat is definetly at large in the borders of Catford/Sydenham.'
'A month ago whilst walking home along Datchet Road, Catford between 22.00 and 22.30hrs I saw what appeared to be a big cat. It was strolling between cars and front pathways of houses. I had no idea of previously reported sightings of black panthers and such like until my daughter later informed me of such. It was not black but more a brownish colour. The height was about 2 - 3ft high, thin body frame and it's fur was much shorter than a pet cat. The head was definetly that of the cat family. Make no mistake about it all you doubting Thomas's out there, a big Cat is definetly at large in the borders of Catford/Sydenham.'
South-east London mystery cats...
Over at the Centre for Fortean Zoology daily blog, researcher Richard Muirhead looks into the recent sightings of exotic cats around areas such as Sydenham, Catford etc. Read it HERE
Thursday 22 October 2009
Neil Arnold in CHAT! Magazine
The current issue of CHAT! Magazine (Isue 43, Oct' 29th - pages 40-41) features an article on Neil Arnold pertaining to his monster-hunting.
Friday 9 October 2009
Neil's giving a talk at The London Ghost Fest October 30th 2009
Neil Arnold will be giving a talk on strange creatures such as vampires, at The London Ghost Fest, on 30th October 2009. For more details link HERE
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Capybara sightings in Barnet.
There have been several sightings of a strange animal around Barnet. Could a Capybara be on the loose ? Time Series goes in search HERE
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Did 'big cat' eat domestic cat ?
Left, one of several photo's taken by Sara Hill of eaten domestic cat.
SYDENHAM: Panther could be to blame for 'savage' death of pet cat
3:50pm Monday 28th September 2009
By Dan Keel
3:50pm Monday 28th September 2009
By Dan Keel
A PANTHER is feared to be on the loose after a mother-of-three stumbled across a pet cat which had been "savaged" and eaten.
Sara Hill, 32, made the grim discovery on Saturday during her daily walk around Sydenham's Southend Park with her two dogs and eight-month-old son, Archie.
A cat, still wearing its collar, was lying in the middle of a footpath and had been stripped of its fur, skin and flesh. Only its head and feet remained untouched.
The horse groomer who lives in Bellingham, said: "As I walked up to it I thought it was an old jumper - but then as I got closer I suddenly realised what it was.
"It's one of the most horrific things I've seen. I am a country girl and have seen a lot of dead animals and have plucked chickens - but I wasn't prepared for this.
"The poor thing had been completely savaged. There is no way a dog did it, as it would have been ripped apart. And a fox would have taken it away."
Miss Hill sent News Shopper some photos of the body which can be seen by clicking on the link below.
We passed them to full-time big cat researcher Neil Arnold, who has been studying cat sightings in the area for more than 20 years.
He said: "It looks very much like a large cat would carry out this type of kill, especially when comparing it to other kills I've examined over the years.
"The main animal seen around Sydenham, Penge, Norwood and Bromley is a black leopard - or panther.
"I've seen a black leopard three times locally, and have evidence such as livestock kills, faeces and paw-prints. But kills of animals are the best evidence."
He added: "When a leopard kills, it kills only to eat, to survive, and will rasp away fur with a sandpaper like tongue leaving a very clean kill.
"Domestic cats are on the menu although preferred prey is pigeon, pheasant, rabbit, rats, mice, and also larger prey such as deer and sheep.
"A black leopard mainly hunts at night and a cat seen around Sydenham could also travel to Sidcup, Welling, Dartford, via Orpington, Sidcup, Crayford, Hayes - all areas where a black leopard has been seen."
Mr Arnold also said black leopards are no threat to humans unless cornered, provoked or injured.
Sara Hill, 32, made the grim discovery on Saturday during her daily walk around Sydenham's Southend Park with her two dogs and eight-month-old son, Archie.
A cat, still wearing its collar, was lying in the middle of a footpath and had been stripped of its fur, skin and flesh. Only its head and feet remained untouched.
The horse groomer who lives in Bellingham, said: "As I walked up to it I thought it was an old jumper - but then as I got closer I suddenly realised what it was.
"It's one of the most horrific things I've seen. I am a country girl and have seen a lot of dead animals and have plucked chickens - but I wasn't prepared for this.
"The poor thing had been completely savaged. There is no way a dog did it, as it would have been ripped apart. And a fox would have taken it away."
Miss Hill sent News Shopper some photos of the body which can be seen by clicking on the link below.
We passed them to full-time big cat researcher Neil Arnold, who has been studying cat sightings in the area for more than 20 years.
He said: "It looks very much like a large cat would carry out this type of kill, especially when comparing it to other kills I've examined over the years.
"The main animal seen around Sydenham, Penge, Norwood and Bromley is a black leopard - or panther.
"I've seen a black leopard three times locally, and have evidence such as livestock kills, faeces and paw-prints. But kills of animals are the best evidence."
He added: "When a leopard kills, it kills only to eat, to survive, and will rasp away fur with a sandpaper like tongue leaving a very clean kill.
"Domestic cats are on the menu although preferred prey is pigeon, pheasant, rabbit, rats, mice, and also larger prey such as deer and sheep.
"A black leopard mainly hunts at night and a cat seen around Sydenham could also travel to Sidcup, Welling, Dartford, via Orpington, Sidcup, Crayford, Hayes - all areas where a black leopard has been seen."
Mr Arnold also said black leopards are no threat to humans unless cornered, provoked or injured.
Friday 25 September 2009
Is this a photo of the 'Palace' puma/panther ? (OF COURSE NOT!!)
Recently there has been more ludicrous coverage of the 'Palace puma', and things have taken a turn for the worse with this photo, taken by Leia Mazur, allegedly showing a 'big black cat'. Of course, the photo shows a domestic cat and nothing more. It's rather sad that the story made the local Streatham Guardian newspaper, read HERE for the full pointless story.
Saturday 19 September 2009
The 'Palace puma'...
Neil clears up the facts and fiction of the latest London 'big cat' sighting, at his latest episode of the SATURDAY STRANGENESS
Friday 18 September 2009
Neil Arnold in the KENTISH TIMES
Neil discusses his full-time research into 'big cat' sightings and their evidence, with the KENTISH TIMES.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Now they're saying Crystal Palace 'big cat' is just a dog!!
From the Croydon Guardian. Where do they get these people from !?
Sunday 13 September 2009
Fortean Times comic strip
The latest issue of Fortean Times magazine features an excellent comic-strip by resident artist Hunt Emerson, in reference to the colourful characters who attended this years 'Weird Weekend' at Devon. Neil Arnold can be seen tight of centre next to Goth ringmaster Richard Freeman!
Monday 7 September 2009
Now, it's the 'beast of Bromley'!!
With recent sightings of the so-called 'Palace Puma' on the rise, two teenagers have come forward to report on their recent encounter, but in the Bromley area. The story courtesy of the Newsshopper.
Friday 4 September 2009
Is this the beast of Crystal Palace ?
Of course not, but it's a nice, comical edge to the mystery, courtesy of the Transmitter blog HERE
Ruislip beast keeps witnesses on alert...
More from the June 2009 panic concerning a possible coyote sighting. HERE
What lurks in Uxbridge ?
Sightings of coyote's, wolf-like creatures and dingo's ? Whatever next ? The Uxbridge Gazette goes on the trail HERE
Strange Bird-Like Creature Seen in Piccadilly.
Strange but true ? Another weird tale from The London Chronicle.
Written by Administrator
Friday, 14 July 2006
Strange Bird-like Creature Seen in Piccadilly.
Circus noted photographer Lance McDurmont, who has been working on a photographic tour of London, when he was struck down violently by an animal of unknown origin. Just before passing out he was able to capture a photo of the creature, however damage to the camera has caused it to come out blurred and barely visible. While there have not been any official copies of the photograph released to the public, it is said to be of a "avian nature with hawk-like claws". Mr. McDurmont is currently hospitalized, but is in stable condition. Doctors believe he will be able to make a full recovery within a week.
Written by Administrator
Friday, 14 July 2006
Strange Bird-like Creature Seen in Piccadilly.
Circus noted photographer Lance McDurmont, who has been working on a photographic tour of London, when he was struck down violently by an animal of unknown origin. Just before passing out he was able to capture a photo of the creature, however damage to the camera has caused it to come out blurred and barely visible. While there have not been any official copies of the photograph released to the public, it is said to be of a "avian nature with hawk-like claws". Mr. McDurmont is currently hospitalized, but is in stable condition. Doctors believe he will be able to make a full recovery within a week.
Beast of the Depths Strikes Again.
From The London Chronicle this bizarre tale:
Beast of the Depths Strikes Again
Written by Administrator
Saturday, 12 August 2006
Beast of the Depths Strikes Again.
Another sewer worker has disappeared leading to more reports of a deadly creature in the sewers of London. Paddy Patterson, an employee of Thames Water, was working on a pipe repair when he failed to report back in after his shift. A search party is underway. He is the third person to vanish after venturing into the sewers of London.
For some months now there has been rumours spreading over the 'Beast of the Depths' and it's possible involvement in the disappearances. No one has ever confirmed the existence of the creature however theories and sketches can be found all over the internet. Many of the pictures show the creature as having a long extended snake-like body, a huge gaping maw and long fangs.
Thames Water have denied the presence of any living creature in the sewers. A spokesman for the company stated 'We have carried out extensive surveys of the sewer tunnels in the vicinity of the reported incidents but have found no evidence that the so called Beast of the Depths exists.' However, no explanation has yet been provided for the disappearances. Until the mystery is resolved, the Beast of the Depths lives on.
Beast of the Depths Strikes Again
Written by Administrator
Saturday, 12 August 2006
Beast of the Depths Strikes Again.
Another sewer worker has disappeared leading to more reports of a deadly creature in the sewers of London. Paddy Patterson, an employee of Thames Water, was working on a pipe repair when he failed to report back in after his shift. A search party is underway. He is the third person to vanish after venturing into the sewers of London.
For some months now there has been rumours spreading over the 'Beast of the Depths' and it's possible involvement in the disappearances. No one has ever confirmed the existence of the creature however theories and sketches can be found all over the internet. Many of the pictures show the creature as having a long extended snake-like body, a huge gaping maw and long fangs.
Thames Water have denied the presence of any living creature in the sewers. A spokesman for the company stated 'We have carried out extensive surveys of the sewer tunnels in the vicinity of the reported incidents but have found no evidence that the so called Beast of the Depths exists.' However, no explanation has yet been provided for the disappearances. Until the mystery is resolved, the Beast of the Depths lives on.
The Newsshopper get their knickers in a twist over the 'Palace Puma'.
Despite sightings of large, exotic cats being reported to local press for many years, it's a tragedy that the facts are often waylaid in the need for sensationalism - even more bizarre when you consider that the facts are far stranger than the fiction created! Scott Mullins, reporter with the Newsshopper went on the track of the Palace puma, even though the animal in question isn't a puma, and it had nothing to do with Crystal Palace! The confusion can be read HERE
Tuesday 11 August 2009
The 'monkey' of Bexley!
This report came in from a woman named Liz:
'I think I saw a monkey run across the road in front of me this morning (11th August 2009) as I was driving from Bexley to Bexleyheath.
It was a sort of greeney, browny stone colour with hanging fur from its skinny limbs and it ran across the road with a slightly sideways skip on back legs and one front leg. It didn’t move like a cat but it was so quick that it had gone before I was aware what was happening. I looked down the drive of the house it had run towards but of course saw nothing. It wasn’t very big, sort of large cat sized but would probably be about 20 – 24 inches tall had it been standing.'
'I think I saw a monkey run across the road in front of me this morning (11th August 2009) as I was driving from Bexley to Bexleyheath.
It was a sort of greeney, browny stone colour with hanging fur from its skinny limbs and it ran across the road with a slightly sideways skip on back legs and one front leg. It didn’t move like a cat but it was so quick that it had gone before I was aware what was happening. I looked down the drive of the house it had run towards but of course saw nothing. It wasn’t very big, sort of large cat sized but would probably be about 20 – 24 inches tall had it been standing.'
Monday 10 August 2009
Black 'panther' seen at Norwood
On 8th August 2009 at approximately 4:00pm the Barrett family walking in woods at Norwood, between Church Road and Auckland Road, observed a five-foot long black animal. The cat emerged from the undergrowth, crossed the path into vegetation and then re-emerged. The animal then headed straight towards the family.
Mrs Barrett immediately grabbed her 2-yr old child, and the family ran off back to Church Road. The incident was reported to local police who went to the area but found no sign of the large cat.
In the past sightings have been reported from Sydenham, Bexley, Bromley, Penge, Carshalton and Croydon.
Mrs Barrett immediately grabbed her 2-yr old child, and the family ran off back to Church Road. The incident was reported to local police who went to the area but found no sign of the large cat.
In the past sightings have been reported from Sydenham, Bexley, Bromley, Penge, Carshalton and Croydon.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Neil giving a talk...
On Saturday 11th July Neil will be appearing at the PHANTOM ENCOUNTERS fayre at Witham, Essex. For details check the link HERE
Sunday 21 June 2009
Did a tiger roam Edgware ?
Probably not. But in his latest episode of THE SATURDAY STRANGENESS Neil uncovers a local panic concerning a 'big cat'.
Friday 12 June 2009
Neil interviewed by Nick Redfern.
At MONSTER USA Neil Arnold is interviewed by author and researcher Nick Redfern, and discusses what it's like to hunt monsters for a living.
Monday 8 June 2009
Tuesday 2 June 2009
More alien invaders to London's waterways...
Neil's episode 110 of THE SATURDAY STRANGENESS looks into what lurks in the River Thames.
Monday 25 May 2009
Sunday 17 May 2009
Tuesday 12 May 2009
The giant spider of Epping Forest
A new weird tale from the Centre For Fortean Zoology daily blog. Read it HERE
Sunday 3 May 2009
The Hammersmith Spooker!
In 1804 some kind of bizarre spectre haunted the ill-lit alleyways of Hammersmith. The apparition continued its reign of terror right up until the Spring Heeled Jack attacks hit the headlines. Read more HERE
Saturday 2 May 2009
On the track of the Greenwich pond monster...
Neil's SATURDAY STRANGENESS hunts for the murky terror.
Sunday 26 April 2009
Friday 24 April 2009
More London beasts and Kentish creatures..
At the CFZ blog Neil looks at more strange creatures, including the 'monster of Greenwich', which didn't make the 400-page book! Link HERE
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Pink jellyfish in the sky!!
According to the Wimbledon Guardian, it seems that a strange flying form has been sighted in the skies.
Monday 20 April 2009
The monster hound of Newgate Prison
Neil's latest SATURDAY STRANGENESS goes on the hunt for the most evil of spectral hounds.
Sunday 12 April 2009
Sunday 5 April 2009
Sunday 29 March 2009
Friday 20 March 2009
MYSTERY ANIMALS OF KENT - OUT NOW.
ORDER THE BOOK AT AMAZON
From publisher Jonathan Downes (CFZ Press):
"After months of work, this remarkable book is finally available. It is the bulkiest book we have ever done, and with over 270,000 words the longest apart from 'Monster Hunter' and 'Dragons: More than a Myth?'
Neil is to be congratulated for such an extraordinary piece of writing. A large proportion of the book concerns big cats, but as Neil - despite his detractors - is one of the leading mystery cat researchers in the country, this is hardly surprising.However, what makes it so much better than yer run of the mill 'big cat' books which seem to be largely rehashed press cuttings, and in which the sentence "...err it was black, it had a long tail and looked like my Labrador,"seem to be repeated over and over again ad nauseam, this is the first-hand story of years of dedication and hands-on research.
The non-cat chapters are equally as interesting, covering a whole gamut of subjects from out-of-place animals to what Neil calls the 'nameless anomalies' which would not be out of place in an episode of 'The X-Files' from about ten years ago.I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's only £14.99 which is hardly extortionate in this day and age, and in the unlikely instance that you don't like it, it is so substantial that you can use it as a door stop, throw it at your dog, or wrap it in a pillow-case to make a handy cosh, and tootle on down to your nearest sub-post office. Well done mate."
Paperback: 420 pages; Publisher: Cfz (Mar 2009); Language English; ISBN-10: 1905723369ISBN-13: 978-1905723362; Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.6 x 2.2 cm
From publisher Jonathan Downes (CFZ Press):
"After months of work, this remarkable book is finally available. It is the bulkiest book we have ever done, and with over 270,000 words the longest apart from 'Monster Hunter' and 'Dragons: More than a Myth?'
Neil is to be congratulated for such an extraordinary piece of writing. A large proportion of the book concerns big cats, but as Neil - despite his detractors - is one of the leading mystery cat researchers in the country, this is hardly surprising.However, what makes it so much better than yer run of the mill 'big cat' books which seem to be largely rehashed press cuttings, and in which the sentence "...err it was black, it had a long tail and looked like my Labrador,"seem to be repeated over and over again ad nauseam, this is the first-hand story of years of dedication and hands-on research.
The non-cat chapters are equally as interesting, covering a whole gamut of subjects from out-of-place animals to what Neil calls the 'nameless anomalies' which would not be out of place in an episode of 'The X-Files' from about ten years ago.I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's only £14.99 which is hardly extortionate in this day and age, and in the unlikely instance that you don't like it, it is so substantial that you can use it as a door stop, throw it at your dog, or wrap it in a pillow-case to make a handy cosh, and tootle on down to your nearest sub-post office. Well done mate."
Paperback: 420 pages; Publisher: Cfz (Mar 2009); Language English; ISBN-10: 1905723369ISBN-13: 978-1905723362; Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.6 x 2.2 cm
Sunday 15 March 2009
Eels in the fountains of Charing Cross ?
Perish the thought....check out Neil's latest episode of THE SATURDAY STRANGENESS in which he talks about the possibility that eels were once released into the stone basins dotted around the West End.
Saturday 7 March 2009
The London Mermaid...again!
Check out Londonist for Neil's latest episode of The Saturday Strangeness. This week's subject, The London Mermaid.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Tuesday 17 February 2009
An obscure London 'monster'...
Check out Neil's feature over at the Centre For Fortean Zoology as he unearth's a strange creature from the annals of London folklore.
Friday 6 February 2009
Cryptozoologist Richard Freeman giving a talk in London
On Thursday 19th February 2009, Richard Freeman, full-time monster-hunter, will be giving a lecture at the Grant Museum in London. For details, click HERE
Thursday 22 January 2009
Monday 19 January 2009
Tuesday 13 January 2009
The Mermaid of London
Neil's latest feature for THE LONDON WORD concerns a 'mermaid', once allegedly brought to the capital from the USA and exhibited by a Captain Eades. This bizarre tale may not prove that these mythological beasts exist, but certainly goes to show how the public have always had a hunger for local mystery.
Photo by Neil Arnold.
Monday 12 January 2009
Greenwich Park creature.
Neil's latest Londonist feature mention's a bizarre creature once observed by paranormal author Elliot O' Donnell. What was it ? A mere insect or 'nature spirit' ?
Tuesday 6 January 2009
KENT - BIG CAT CAPITAL
KENT ONLINE interviews Neil Arnold to talk about the amount of sightings of 'big cats' across the south in 2008. 184 reports were received by KENT BIG CAT RESEARCH with several reaching the outskirts of London.
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