Latest news with #Wallasey
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Prowling, growling ‘panther man' could be next Somerset Gimp, say residents
Sightings of a mysterious black-clad figure prowling outside a pub in a Merseyside seaside town have led to concerns he could be the next Somerset Gimp. The figure, who residents call 'panther man', has been filmed wriggling under fences near the Derby Pool Harvester in Wallasey on the Wirral, and seen making 'growling' noises at passers-by trying to enjoy the nearby beach. Some residents believe he could be like Joshua Hunt, known as the Somerset Gimp, who menaced people in locations across the county on at least 25 separate occasions over five years before he was stopped in 2023. In November of that year, Hunt, then 32, appeared in court, and was banned from 'crawling, wriggling or writhing on the ground' in a full-body suit for five years. In Wallasey, the mysterious 'panther man' has been described by residents as an 'urban jaguar', 'banshee', and a 'gimp', dressed in a dark figure-hugging suit and a cat mask. After the grainy footage of him emerged, The Telegraph went to the Wirral to find out more. Abbie Gilbert described how she 'heard a man making cat noises', and shone her torch to find the figure 'waving his arms at me before crawling up the hill' while she was out walking her dog on a Sunday evening. She told The Telegraph: 'I didn't really find him to be a threat, just a bit bizarre. He didn't approach me, he just made some weird poses and then scarpered off. 'I see strange things on the Wirral all the time so it wasn't too much of a shock, it was actually quite amusing. In all honesty, I think he's just doing it for a laugh, I don't think it's anything malicious.' But others have compared the mystery figure to Hunt, who was made the subject of a sexual risk order after women in Somerset reported him grabbing his crotch as he confronted them. One dog walker who visited the beach on Friday said: 'I know in Somerset a few years ago, there was a guy dressing up in a gimp suit frightening people, and I'm worried the same is going to start happening here. If you were a female or elderly, it would be quite frightening. 'He's probably not all right. Maybe the police need to check on him.' Clutching his cavapoo, Minnie, dog walker Rob Riley, 62, said: 'I've never seen a fellow dressed as a cat. But if I did I'd set the dog on him.' Kerry Blackmore, who uses the beach to walk her dog, said: 'It's creepy. I'd turn around and walk the other way. He [Rolo, her Jack Russell] would probably run the other way too.' A couple of miles down the coast, in the seaside resort of New Brighton, opinion was split. Paul Bowie, owner of the Wirral Model Shop, said: 'Someone is doing it for a bit of a laugh. It's great for the area. If he's not going to attack anyone, then it's brilliant. 'There have been weird things going on here back to the 19th century. Although back then it was murder.' He is referring to an 1890 incident in New Brighton – still notorious in these parts – when Felix Spicer, a local father, killed his two sons. Maureen Grimshaw, 75, who was visiting Mr Bowie's shop with her husband Jim after a cycle ride, was less enthused about the mystery figure's antics. She fears the unknown person could be dangerous, saying: 'What if he kills someone? That wouldn't be ideal, would it?' At the Ship Hotel pub a few doors down, conversation has turned to who is behind the mask. Theories are thrown about but nobody is certain. 'It's just an 'eejit',' said Tony Fisher, 35, as he sat at the bar with a pint. 'I can't imagine it's anything sinister. Things like this happen in London but not here. Nothing happens around here.' There are believed to have been three sightings so far. But despite residents' concerns, Merseyside Police is not investigating. A force spokesman said no reports had been received and 'as far as we are aware no crime has been committed'. In a car park near the beach, The Telegraph waited for several hours, until midnight, in the hope of a sighting. But the 'panther man' never now, at least, the mysterious figure's intentions and identity remain a mystery. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
05-07-2025
- Telegraph
Prowling, growling ‘panther man' could be next Somerset Gimp, say residents
Sightings of a mysterious black-clad figure prowling outside a pub in a Merseyside seaside town have led to concerns he could be the next Somerset Gimp. The figure, who residents call 'panther man', has been filmed wriggling under fences near the Derby Pool Harvester in Wallasey on the Wirral, and seen making 'growling' noises at passers-by trying to enjoy the nearby beach. Some residents believe he could be like Joshua Hunt, known as the Somerset Gimp, who menaced people in locations across the county on at least 25 separate occasions over five years before he was stopped in 2023. In November of that year, Hunt, then 32, appeared in court, and was banned from 'crawling, wriggling or writhing on the ground' in a full-body suit for five years. In Wallasey, the mysterious 'panther man' has been described by residents as an 'urban jaguar', 'banshee', and a 'gimp', dressed in a dark figure-hugging suit and a cat mask. After the grainy footage of him emerged, The Telegraph went to the Wirral to find out more. Abbie Gilbert described how she 'heard a man making cat noises', and shone her torch to find the figure 'waving his arms at me before crawling up the hill' while she was out walking her dog on a Sunday evening. She told The Telegraph: 'I didn't really find him to be a threat, just a bit bizarre. He didn't approach me, he just made some weird poses and then scarpered off. 'I see strange things on the Wirral all the time so it wasn't too much of a shock, it was actually quite amusing. In all honesty, I think he's just doing it for a laugh, I don't think it's anything malicious.' But others have compared the mystery figure to Hunt, who was made the subject of a sexual risk order after women in Somerset reported him grabbing his crotch as he confronted them. One dog walker who visited the beach on Friday said: 'I know in Somerset a few years ago, there was a guy dressing up in a gimp suit frightening people, and I'm worried the same is going to start happening here. If you were a female or elderly, it would be quite frightening. 'He's probably not all right. Maybe the police need to check on him.' Clutching his cavapoo, Minnie, dog walker Rob Riley, 62, said: 'I've never seen a fellow dressed as a cat. But if I did I'd set the dog on him.' Kerry Blackmore, who uses the beach to walk her dog, said: 'It's creepy. I'd turn around and walk the other way. He [Rolo, her Jack Russell] would probably run the other way too.' A couple of miles down the coast, in the seaside resort of New Brighton, opinion was split. Paul Bowie, owner of the Wirral Model Shop, said: 'Someone is doing it for a bit of a laugh. It's great for the area. If he's not going to attack anyone, then it's brilliant. 'There have been weird things going on here back to the 19th century. Although back then it was murder.' He is referring to an 1890 incident in New Brighton – still notorious in these parts – when Felix Spicer, a local father, killed his two sons. Maureen Grimshaw, 75, who was visiting Mr Bowie's shop with her husband Jim after a cycle ride, was less enthused about the mystery figure's antics. She fears the unknown person could be dangerous, saying: 'What if he kills someone? That wouldn't be ideal, would it?' At the Ship Hotel pub a few doors down, conversation has turned to who is behind the mask. Theories are thrown about but nobody is certain. 'It's just an 'eejit',' said Tony Fisher, 35, as he sat at the bar with a pint. 'I can't imagine it's anything sinister. Things like this happen in London but not here. Nothing happens around here.' No investigation, say police There are believed to have been three sightings so far. But despite residents' concerns, Merseyside Police is not investigating. A force spokesman said no reports had been received and 'as far as we are aware no crime has been committed'. In a car park near the beach, The Telegraph waited for several hours, until midnight, in the hope of a sighting. But the 'panther man' never appeared. For now, at least, the mysterious figure's intentions and identity remain a mystery.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Mystery figure dressed as big cat on the prowl
UGC A mystery figure dressed in a large black cat costume has been seen prowling secluded areas close to a beach. The bizarre sightings have prompted a flurry of comments and photographs posted on Facebook by residents living near Wallasey beach in Wirral. A video posted on the website showed car passengers screaming as the figure was seen approaching close to their vehicle. Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said she hoped anyone with concerns would report them to the police. One Facebook user posted: "Was walking my dog tonight and heard a man making cat noises, shone a torch he was waving his arms at me before crawling up the hill. Never been so scared." Another told the BBC how she was out for a dog walk when she noticed something strange. UGC The woman said: "I drove down to the coast by the Harvester pub to walk my dog and as soon as I was away from the street lights I began to hear a feline growling to my left. "My little terrier, Mac, started barking away at the figure, so I got my phone for light and captured a short video. A man in a panther costume then crawled up the hill on all fours. "I didn't feel scared really, he was just waving his arms and making panther noises. I felt more confused than scared." Another man walking his dog along the beach said he believed he knew who the figure might be and thought it was intended to be a prank. "I don't know his name, I think it's just a wind up. He's definitely not out to frighten people, he does it for fun," he said. "He just likes being a giant cat. He doesn't frighten our dog." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Wallasey
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wallasey: Mystery figure in big cat costume prowls seaside town
A mystery figure dressed in a large black cat costume has been seen prowling secluded areas close to a bizarre sightings have prompted a flurry of comments and photographs posted on Facebook by residents living near Wallasey beach in Wirral.A video posted on the website showed car passengers screaming as the figure was seen approaching close to their Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said she hoped anyone with concerns would report them to the police. One Facebook user posted: "Was walking my dog tonight and heard a man making cat noises, shone a torch he was waving his arms at me before crawling up the hill. Never been so scared."Another told the BBC how she was out for a dog walk when she noticed something strange. The woman said: "I drove down to the coast by the Harvester pub to walk my dog and as soon as I was away from the street lights I began to hear a feline growling to my left."My little terrier, Mac, started barking away at the figure, so I got my phone for light and captured a short video. A man in a panther costume then crawled up the hill on all fours."I didn't feel scared really, he was just waving his arms and making panther noises. I felt more confused than scared." Another man walking his dog along the beach said he believed he knew who the figure might be and thought it was intended to be a prank."I don't know his name, I think it's just a wind up. He's definitely not out to frighten people, he does it for fun," he said."He just likes being a giant cat. He doesn't frighten our dog." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Father of woman shot outside pub ‘spreads message of hope' with documentary
The father of a woman who was shot outside a pub on Christmas Eve is aiming to spread a message of hope with a documentary following his walk across the country in the aftermath of her death. Just days after Elle Edwards, 26, was killed in the shooting outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, on December 24 2022, her grieving father Tim got in touch with Liverpool actor John May, who was preparing to walk from Lands End to John O'Groats as part of a campaign to end gun and knife crime. Mr Edwards, 53, joined him for the walk at Worcester, initially just to 'get out of town', but ended up accompanying him all the way to the top of Scotland, later travelling down south to complete the first leg of the walk. Two years on from their challenge, documentary The Two Of Us is to be screened at the Raindance Film Festival, which starts in London on Wednesday, and the friends say it will tell a story of 'brotherhood', grief and strength. Mr Edwards said: 'You'll see that when times get really tough, as long you keep going and you keep having that little bit of hope and a bit of strength behind you, and the willingness to carry on and never give up, then you will come out alright the other side.' He took on the walk before the trial of gunman Connor Chapman, who was targeting rivals in a gang feud when he opened fire outside the pub, and was sentenced to a minimum of 48 years after being found guilty of Ms Edwards' murder. Mr Edwards said walking with Mr May helped him to build a foundation for his future. 'I've been through the worst hell you can imagine, there's not a lot else that could really turn me,' he said. 'I can cope with the day-to-day now through those experiences of walking with John and walking through the country and being alone and having therapy and talking about your feelings.' Mr May, 43, who produced the feature-length documentary, said he hoped people would be inspired. The actor, soon to star as Wayne Rooney in a production at Liverpool's Royal Court, said: 'The documentary is not really about the walk, it's more about friendship and about men's mental health and grief and how we leaned on each other and perked each other up throughout the walk. 'It's about brotherhood more than anything I'd say.' The film, put together from vlogs filmed by the pair at the time and interviews once they had returned, shows the highs and lows of the journey – which at one point saw them separating for 10 days after a falling out. Mr Edwards said: 'I thought it would be wrong for us to not finish this together so we sorted it out and overcame that, our own personal battles against each other. 'I think you need to have that clash, that explosion has to happen so you can then work it out and come back together again. That's the testimony of a true friendship I think. ' Throughout the walk, Mr Edwards said he felt there were signs from his daughter – including a white dove which followed him as he walked around Ripon Cathedral one morning. Mr Edwards said: 'You grab on to different signs that you hope is Elle watching over you. 'It was things like, there were always doves would randomly turn up or I'd be feeling a bit low and I'd be like 'give us a sign Elle will you, give me something to pick me up' and there'd always something random would appear. ' Mr May added: 'Elle's presence is definitely felt. There's things that happened along the way when he was at a low point and you can see it spurred him on.' Mr Edwards said his daughter, a beautician, would be 'laughing her head off' to see what he had been doing. He said: 'She'd be thinking 'my dad is absolutely mental, what are you doing?' 'She'd be proud I think, she'd love the friendship me and John have got and I think she'll be looking down on us going 'well done Dad I'm proud of you'.' The film, nominated for best documentary feature and best UK cinematography awards at the Raindance festival, is accompanied by music from composer Patrick Bennett, 20, who has created Elle's Theme, which plays throughout. Director Owen Ward said: 'If you're coming in for a true crime documentary, go see something else because that's not what it is. It's about how victims of these horrible crimes carry on in the aftermath. 'It's giving that sense of hope, of inspiration. If Tim can get through this horrible circumstance, you can get through anything. That's ultimately what it is, it's a film about hope.' For Mr Edwards, the documentary is part of his aim to create a positive legacy for his daughter. He said: 'It was always about keeping Elle's name alive. So whenever Elle's name was mentioned, it would be mentioned in a positive way and not about what happened to her. That was the goal and still is, it will always be the goal.'
