A police report has revealed that officers believed the Loch Ness Monster was real “beyond doubt” – and even tried to protect it from a harpoon-wielding mob. The remarkable document, written in 1938 by Inverness-shire chief constable William Fraser, shows he was convinced of Nessie’s existence and raised the alarm over two men attempting to capture it “dead or alive.”
Unearthed 87 years later by Kenny Welsh of The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, Scotland, the letter details how police feared for the creature’s safety as rumours of sightings fuelled public frenzy. The letter read: “It has now come to my notice that a Mr Peter Kent and Miss Marion Stirling, both of London, are determined to catch the Monster dead or alive.
“Mr Peter Kent visited Fort Augustus on Friday, 12 August and was seen there by my Officer stationed at Fort Augustus.
It continued: “To whom he stated that he was having a special harpoon gun made and that he was to return with some twenty experienced men on the 22 of August for the purpose of hunting the Monster down.
“That there is some strange creature in Loch Ness seems now beyond doubt, but that the Police have any power to protect it is very doubtful.
“I have, however, caused Mr Peter Kent to be warned of the desirability of having the creature left alone, but whether my warning will have the desired effect or not remains to be seen.”
Kenny discovered the fascinating police report while doing some research. “It offers a rare glimpse into how even the police believed there might be something in the water,” Kenny said.
Nagina Ishaq, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre told how it was fascinating to see the historical local support for Nessie’s protection from potential poachers.
“The dedication to ensuring its safety is something that resonates strongly with us here at the Centre. As we continue our search, we are committed to doing so in a way that is non-invasive and respectful of the creature and its environment,” she said.
Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, added: “The 1938 police report is a rare moment where the mystery of Loch Ness crosses into official record. It reminds us that even authorities couldn’t ignore what people claimed to see.”
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