A BIG cat expert says a black panther dubbed the 'Beast of Trellech' has returned to stalk its old patch.

The large black cat which mauled 11-year-old Josh Hopkins in August, 2000, is believed to be responsible for killing a deer in woodland near Trellech last month.

Big cat expert Danny Nineham examined the deer and measured claw marks on the carcass.

"It is an exact match to the one which attacked Josh," said Mr Nineham who is based in the Forest of Dean.

"It has to be same animal, a female with a claw span of three and a half inches."

Police say they have had no big cat sightings reported over the past month.

But Mr Nineham said sightings should increase during the winter.

"Obviously in the summer they can hide in the foliage which makes them harder to spot," he said. "At this time of year they are much easier to spot."

In July 2002 the animal was seen prowling on banking by Trellech Primary School's sports field and was later spotted by a teacher, who followed it into a field.

Reports of black panther sightings range from Newport to the Chepstow area.

* The Argus is offering a £200 reward to anyone who can provide a substantiated photograph of the beast in Gwent. Contact the newsdesk on 01633 777229.