Mark Stevens, a farmer from Clarke's Town, Manchester, shows the damage done to one of his banana roots by the creature. - Byron McDaniel

Residents of the Clark's Town community, on the outskirts of Mandeville, Manchester, have joined forces to identify, capture or kill a phantom creature which has been destroying their banana plants at nights.

The elusive creature, which began destroying the banana plants and tearing the roots to shreds about a year ago, the residents say, was absent for some time but returned on Friday night.

"About 1 o' clock Friday before day, mi hear a sound outside and di dog barking and then squeal out like someting attack it," said a neighbour of Ann-Marie Sinclair whose banana roots were destroyed. The dog was not injured in the attack.

Mark Stevens, another resident, said only one person reported seeing the primate-looking creature which appears to have four hands and a furry body like a monkey. It moves very fast, he revealed.

Following the attack on the dog, the residents are taking great care to ensure the safety of their children at nights.

The Mandeville police say they have heard of the creature and, just like residents, are anxiously awaiting an encounter.