A LEADING 'big cat' expert has dismissed any thought that a paw print found in an Epping field may have been left by a big cat.

Quentin Rose said the impression discovered by Pat Murphy while out walking her dog near Frampton Road, was "categorically not a big cat print".

The Guardian last week reported that as well as Mrs Murphy discovering the print, two boys had reported seeing a big cat on the Copped Hall Estate.

But Mr Rose, who was faxed a copy of Mrs Murphy's picture of the print, said the impression had been left by a large dog.

"When they run through mud it splays out a bit and looks larger than a normal print," he said.

July 18, 2002 08:30