Mysterious Paws of Ipswich
Kelly Road in Ipswich, Suffolk, was the scene of some pretty strange goings-on back in 1996. Locals were getting reports of a mysterious animal roaming freely around the area, and it quickly earned the nickname 'Paws' from the local press. The story goes that this creature was initially thought to be a cat, but interestingly, a witness came forward in the 2000s to say it was actually a black Labrador. This wasn't just a one-off sighting either - there were multiple reports of this animal in and around Ipswich during that time, which got people talking and a reward was even posted for evidence.
Digging a bit deeper into the story, it's clear that 1996 was a particularly active year for strange animal sightings in Ipswich. While the true nature of 'Paws' remains a mystery, it's worth noting that the sightings were taken seriously enough by the local community to prompt a reward for information. The fact that a witness later came forward to correct the initial assumption that 'Paws' was a cat, suggests that there was a good deal of confusion and curiosity about what was really going on. It also shows that these sightings weren't just fleeting moments of mistaken identity, but rather a series of events that stuck with locals for years to come.
Late 20th century Ipswich, with a series of unexplained animal sightings
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Woman and Highwayman
A12 from Ipswich, Blythburgh
On the A12 near Blythburgh in Suffolk, a rather intriguing ghostly sighting has been reported for centuries. This stretch of road, which heads towards Kessingland, has long been associated with the apparition of a woman in a long dress, often accompanied by a highwayman and sometimes a horse. The pair seem to have been making their ethereal presence known for at least two hundred years, sparking curiosity and a few gasps of surprise among travellers.
Ipswich Kangaroo Sighting
London Road, Ipswich
London Road in Ipswich can be a busy place, especially during rush hour. On 12 September 2011, around 16:00h, a driver and passenger were travelling along this road when they spotted something unusual - a young kangaroo hopping along the road. The sighting was brief, but it left a lasting impression on those who saw it. The kangaroo seemed to be travelling alone, and its presence in Suffolk was certainly unexpected.
Sproughton Black Panther Sighting
Road between village and Chantry Park, Sproughton
In the quiet Suffolk countryside, a strange encounter took place on a rural road between Sproughton village and Chantry Park. One evening in 1995, a witness reported seeing a large black cat cross the road. This sighting was documented on the Big Cats of Suffolk website, leaving many to wonder about the mysterious creature that was spotted.
The Man in Grey Apparition
Belvedere Road / Cemetery Lane junction, Ipswich
On a chilly December morning in 2012, a driver was left shaken when a man in dark grey clothing and a trilby-like hat suddenly stepped out in front of their car at the junction of Belvedere Road and Cemetery Lane in Ipswich. The driver slammed on the brakes just in time, but when they looked again, the man had vanished into thin air. It was as if he had never existed at all. The driver couldn't help but wonder if they had really seen what they thought they had. The location, a quiet junction in Ipswich, doesn't seem like the kind of place where ghostly apparitions would be likely to appear, but that's exactly what seems to have happened here.
Ipswich White Lady Ghost
Gippeswyk Hall, Ipswich
Gippeswyk Hall in Ipswich is home to a ghostly apparition known as the White Lady. This spectral figure has been spotted by multiple people in the upper part of the hall, particularly on nights when the moon is full. The hall, currently occupied by the Red Rose Chain, seems to be a hub of paranormal activity. One witness reported seeing a strange mist emerging from the chimney, even though there were no fires burning inside. The White Lady's appearances are a reoccurring phenomenon that has left many wondering about the history and secrets behind this haunting.
Ipswich Railway Ghost Woman
Railway station, Ipswich
Ipswich Railway Station, a bustling hub in the heart of Suffolk, has been the site of some rather unusual occurrences. In the early hours of the morning, staff have reported seeing a woman in areas that should be deserted. The feeling of unease that accompanies her presence is palpable. Some cleaning staff have even caught a glimpse of the same female figure in a mirror, adding to the mystique. The sounds of children's laughter have also been heard, although it's unclear who or what is responsible. These sightings and sounds have all but ceased since the station underwent refurbishment in 2016.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Kelly Road

Seckford Hall Hotel
Woodbridge, Suffolk

The Mistley Thorn Hotel
Mistley (near Manningtree), Essex

The Rose and Crown
Colchester, Essex

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk