TERRIFIED locals in a South American town are running scared after a strange creature charged schoolkids.
The beast — which has "sparked fear and confusion" in the small town of Cerro Azul, Panama — was spotted on Saturday when four 14 to 16-year-olds were playing by the waterfront.
In a "desperate bid to defend themselves" the four terrified boys said they hurled rocks at the strange creature to kill it, before throwing its corpse in the water and running away.
Their disbelieving parents returned to the lake the following day — and were stunned to discovered the beast's body washed up on the shore.
Experts have yet to examine the images — or make any statements regarding their discovery.
According to their account, reported by Panamanian news service Telemetro, the youngsters "screamed" when the five-foot creature emerged from a cave and started clambouring over rocks towards them "as if to attack them".
(less info)
