Heybridge: Now it's the mini-Beast of Essex! (From Gazette)

Heybridge: Now it's the mini-Beast of Essex!

10:05am Wednesday 6th September 2006 in Beast of Essex By Gill Mariner

A small version of the Beast of Essex has been terrorising people and pets on a housing estate.

A black cat with white markings has put one young woman in hospital, savaged another woman and attacked and terrorised at least three dogs.

Shocked Heybridge resident Michelle Lewis said the fiery feline, "black with white under its chin and down its tummy", launched itself at her family group as they strolled with their dogs in Doubleday Drive.

Mrs Lewis said the cat first wrapped itself around Bailey, the dog belonging to her daughter's boyfriend Mark Meades, cutting the dog's ears.

"When my daughter tried to get it away it sank its teeth into her feet and leg," she said.