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The beast of Buckshaw: fact or fiction?
HORROR or hoax? You decide as new light is shed on the 'Beast of Buckshaw.'
Last week, the Guardian published pictures of a mysterious creature believed responsible for mauling several animals in and around the Buckshaw Village area.
Described as a mix between a wild boar and a wolf, it's been the subject of feverish speculation on the Internet and has been reported in the media as far afield as Canada.
This week paranormal experts visited area to try and find evidence of the beast, after doubts were raised about the authenticity of a photograph of it.
The picture – which appears on a Facebook website – purports to be the beast but seems identical to a beast sighted on Dartmoor in 2007.
At the time, eyewitnesses reported seeing a large creature with feline movements in a field in Devon – but it was later found to be a pet Newfoundland dog called Troy.
Despite questions over the photograph, paranormal investigators from the Unknown Phenomena Investigation Association say it is possible something is out there.
The group aims to find scientific explanations for odd happenings and has carried out its own on-site research.
Kirst D'Raven, paranormal investigator with the UPIA, said: "The photo is a hoax because it was first seen in the Dartmoor case, which casts doubt on the reliability of certain witnesses. That said, there have been a number of different sightings, which means there could be something but it is almost impossible to determine exactly what."
During her visit on Monday she was unable to find tracks or footprints linked to the animal but said the most likely explanation is that a feral dog is responsible for the attacks.
She also says recent attacks on sheep in the Rivington area could be related – but called on people not to panic.
"The main priority seems to be to defuse the mass hysteria," she said.
To read more on this story pick up a copy of this week's Guardian
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
