A MYSTERIOUS big cat "like a mutant" has been spotted roaming the streets of Northumberland Heath by tens of News Shopper readers.

Since we reported two sightings in the area last week, dozens of readers have contacted us to talk about their own encounters with the mysterious beast of Bexley.

All of them claim to have seen a black cat-like creature, bigger than any other cat they had ever seen. Descriptions of the cat, spotted in Erith Road, Avenue Road and Bexley Road, include "like a mutant".

Bernice Fogarty, who spotted the creature outside her Avenue Road home 10 months ago, said: "I thought at first it must be a dog but it jumped over the fence in much the same way my cat would.

"It is definitely not a dog, and is far too big to be a normal cat."

Other readers reported spotting the cat prowling in the area during the last two weeks.

Stuart Campbell, 34, whose two sightings were reported last week, said he was relieved more people had come forward.

The father-of-two said: "At least I'm not the only one. I feel like I've done the right thing now.

"I've taken a lot of stick but I know what I saw."

Bradley Clough, a member of the British Big Cat Society, said he was not surprised by the sightings.

Mr Clough, from Sidcup, said: "I think Mr Campbell's story is 100 per cent true. It could be a panther or a black form of the puma.

"Reported sightings are definitely on the increase, and many more sightings go unreported because people are afraid of being laughed at.

"Anyone who sees a big cat shouldn't try to approach it, but back off slowly, and don't turn their backs."

An RSPCA spokesman said there was little point in reporting sightings to them, unless an animal was injured or sick, and in a confined space where an inspector could catch it.

l Sightings can be reported to the British Big Cat Society at www.britishbigcats.com