Hunt for 'beast of Sydenham'

Anthony Holder. .

Police have launched a huge search after sightings of a "cat-like" animal the size of a labrador in a London suburb.

Scotland Yard appealed for vigilance after a member of the public and a police officer saw the black creature, which has been likened to a panther.

An armed police response vehicle with officers equipped with rifles and Taser stun guns has been called in to patrol the area.

The "Beast of Sydenham" was spotted at about 2am today by a man in Sydenham Park putting his cat out. The man was attacked and scratched. He called an ambulance and police.

One officer believes he also saw the animal which he described as being as large as a labrador.

Scotland Yard said it was seeking specialist advice from experts from the RSPCA and London Zoo. A spokeswoman said: "We are trying to establish exactly where the animal may have come from.

"In the meantime we are asking the public to to be vigilant."

She added: "If anyone does see the animal, do not approach it but dial 999 immediately." People are also being advised to keep pets indoors.

The sighting comes as farmers near Burford in Oxfordshire have offered a £5,000 reward for the capture of a large black creature suspected of being responsible for the deaths of livestock in the area.

Sightings of big cats have become far more common in recent years. The British Big Cat Society estimates that 50 to 100 are roaming across the country.

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