There's been another big cat sighting in north Kent.

It’s been reported a black leopard was spotted by a woman walking on The Mount in Bean, near Greenhithe.

The witness, who did not wish to be named, saw the animal on Thursday at around 7pm when she looked onto a field covered in snow alongside Bean Primary School.

She initially thought it was a large black dog but when she stopped to have a closer look the animal became aware of her and slowly began to head for the hedge-line on the opposite field.

She said: "The cat was long in the body with a very long tail, and it headed towards me which is why I left the area rapidly.

"From where I was standing I had a very good view and could clearly see that it was the famous black 'panther' that has been seen before in the village and surrounding area."

Sightings of a black leopard have been reported in the Bluewater area for around 10 years.

Also known as a panther, this black leopard is supposedly one of a handful that roams a territory which takes in much of Gravesham and Dartford.

Kent big cat researcher Neil Arnold said: "Prey in the area is in abundance with rabbits, pigeons, foxes, ducks and swans providing a food source. Drinking water is plentiful and there is sufficient cover for a nocturanl predator to remain unseen most of the time."

Mr Arnold is due to release a book Mystery Animals of Kent covering the hundreds of sightings across the county in recent years.

• Anyone who sees a big cat can call Mr Arnold on 01634 830384.