It's been all quiet on the big cat front for some time now. But just when you thought it was safe, it looks like one of these elusive felines has finally broken cover.

The north Pembrokeshire farming community was left shaken after five lambs were mauled by what is believed to be a big cat. Police and veterinary experts who examined the carcasses revealed it was unlikely a dog or fox was responsible for the attack.

The owner of the lambs, Newport farmer John Lewis, noticed their injuries during a routine inspection of his livestock as they grazed on common land and in the hills surrounding the town.

"When I saw the extent of the lambs' injuries I reported it straight to the police," said Mr Lewis. "Dogs and foxes always go for the neck, but this time whatever attacked the sheep pounced on it from behind, pinning it down and mauling both sides of the back."

During the past month Mr Lewis, who farms Dwr y Felin, has come across a number of other lambs attacked in the same way and a further ten lambs have disappeared without a trace from his flock.

"The farmers around Newport are getting extremely worried," said Mr Lewis. "I'm convinced there is something out there and I'm determined to find out what it is."

Farmers are urged to keep a close eye on their livestock and report any unusual incidents to police in Fishguard on 01348 873225 or DEFRA on 08459 335577.

Pembrokeshire County Council has asked its animal welfare inspectors to investigate the two latest reported incidents involving a cat-like creature in north Pembrokeshire.

The first involved Newport farmer John Lewis. The second, less well-publicised incident involved two residents - again from the north of the county - who have sighted a larger than usual feline-type animal several times recently.

It was said to be light in colour with black ears and about twice the size of a normal domestic cat.

A paw print was found at one of the locations where it was seen.

Nigel Watts, principal officer with the county council public protection division, said the authority's animal welfare team were logging all reported sightings and incidents involving big cats.

"It is part of a dossier we are compiling as sightings have become more and more frequent over the past few years" he explained.

"Where appropriate our inspectors will visit the location of a sighting to assess if there is any forensic evidence which can be sent off for analysis."