A retired science teacher who was previously sceptical about the Sheppey big cat says he is now 90% convinced of its existence after seeing it in a park.

Ken West, 68, contacted Neil Arnold of Kent Big Cat Research after he saw it at The Glen in Minster.

He was there with his wife and two grandchildren last Monday and had made his way behind some blackberry bushes for a game of hide and seek when he saw the cat in the middle of a path at about 4.30pm.

Mr West, of Sexburga Drive, Minster, said the cat was about 50 yards away from him, crouching and sniffing at something on the floor.

At first he had a side-on view of it and thought it was a black labrador but quickly realised it was leaner and longer than a dog.

As soon as the animal saw Mr West it dived into nearby undergrowth.

He says although there is still a bit of doubt in his mind, he keeps thinking about it and is certain it was not a dog because of its posture and the way it behaved. It also had a long, black tail.

Mr West said: “I couldn’t see its facial features because it was about 50 yards away.

“I have never seen it before – I’ve read that people had seen it but being a scientist I’m sceptical and there’s always an element of doubt in my mind but I’m about 90% convinced now. I would love to see it again.”

Mr Arnold says what Mr West saw was probably a black leopard.

• If you’ve seen the big cat, call Neil Arnold on 01634 819746 or visit his website