Search for St Osyth lion continues (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Search for St Osyth lion continues

10:20am Monday 27th August 2012 in News

POLICE are continuing the search for a lion spotted in St Osyth last night.

Officers were contacted shortly before 7pm on Sunday, August 26 with a sighting of what holidaymakers described as a lion sitting in grassland off Earls Hall Drive in St Oysth.

Experts from Colchester Zoo teamed up with armed officers and spent the night scouring the area.

A police spokesman said: "Public safety is our priority which is why we are taking the sighting and all associated evidence seriously.

“We have an increased police presence in the area which will offer reassurance to local residents, motorists and holidaymakers.

“We would encourage people to enjoy the bank holiday Monday, indulging in activities as they want to. For those who wish to take a walk in the countryside surrounding Clacton, then we would just ask them to be extra vigilant and cautious.

“However, they will probably see us first before they see anything else.”

Anyone who spots the animal should call 999.