A pair of wild black leopards are said to be on the loose around Thanet.

Five recent sightings from motorists and dog walkers describe both a thick set black cat the size of a springer spaniel and another, taller, sleeker beast, the size of a German shepherd dog, on the prowl.

Neil Arnold, of the Kent Big Cat Research Group, has logged all five of the Thanet sightings.

He said the larger of the leopards, also known as panthers, was most likely to be female and the smaller one, male.

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The Kent Big Cat Research Group receives an average of 250 sightings every year and has had more than 150 reported so far this year.

Hotspots include Ashford, Gravesend, Sevenoaks and Maidstone, especially around Blue Bell Hill.

Just last month, on July 29, a large cat, believed to be a lynx, was spotted slinking around near Maidstone Tennis Club, Allington, at around 2.30pm.

The animal was reddish-dark orange in colour with spots and also stripes towards the back and "slinked off" down the side of the courts.

Have you spotted a big cat this summer? Add your sighting to our SpeakOut section - Big cat sightings

You can also phone Neil Arnold on 01634 830384, or visit his website, www.kentbigcats.blogspot.com.