AN ANIMAL which looked like a black leopard has been spotted on the prowl late at night in East Kent.

A family of four spotted the animal on the main A28 Canterbury Road between Ashford and the village of Chilham at about 10pm last Friday. It crossed the road about 100 yards in front of their car.

Expert Neil Arnold, from Kent Big Cat Research, said: "The male driver and his wife both realised the animal was feline and far too large to be a domestic cat. The witnesses believed the animal to be around two-and-a-half feet in length and it had a long, sleek tail."

The family said the animal was bigger than a fox and was distinctive because of its long tail. The cat ran across the road before jumping into bushes on the other side.

Mr Arnold added: "These animals are mainly nocturnal hunters and many sightings involve witnesses driving late at night or during early morning."

If you have seen or see a big cat call Neil Arnold on 01634 302572.