POLICE have issued a warning to rural people to be on their guard after a reported sighting of a big cat.
An RSPCA inspector and police were called to Scotton, near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, yesterday, after a woman claimed to have seen the creature in a field full of sheep.
However, it leapt into another field and disappeared from view before she could contact the authorities.
It was said to be five times the size of a normal cat, and brown, with other dark markings and a cat-like face.
A police spokesman said: "A resident, whom an officer described as 'sensible', said she saw an animal about five times the size of a normal cat in a field of sheep.
"We are emphasising that this animal has not attacked any animals or people, or threatened them, but we do feel residents should be aware of the situation."
Anyone who has seen the creature is asked to contact police on (01609) 783131.
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