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A man has spotted a "large wildcat with big claws" roaming around his garden in central Cambridge.

The wildcat, which has been compared to the size of a fully grown Labrador dog, was seen near Coldham’s Lane earlier this morning (April 11).

A resident who lives in the area said it wasn't the first time the 'large cat' has visited but this time they were able to get a picture showing the unusual animal exploring the garden.

"It was around 8 or 8.30am this morning when I saw the animal from my kitchen window. I think it somehow keeps coming to this place to hunt rabbits or other small animals", he said.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he thought the animal was a certain species of wildcat but when he looked closer it was far too large.

He explained: "Initially I thought it was a wildcat like a Felis Silvestris, but then I went to my colleagues at the university, and they said it can't have been as this animal was way bigger.

"Looking at the tail it's definitely a different species. It is a wild cat but not that species I don't think.

"The animal was a brown and black colour with a very long tail that had lots of black circles on it. The tail was so long, and its legs were thick as well with big claws.

"It was about the size of a fully grown Labrador dog."

When asked about whether or not this could have been the Fen Tiger the man added: "I have heard about the mystery of the Fen Tiger but I don't know if this was it. This was a wild cat like people have said the Fen Tiger is and this one is the size of a Labrador dog."

The Fen Tiger has, as the myth goes, been on the prowl in Cambridgeshire and beyond for over 30 years, with numerous sightings being reported throughout the county.

The most recent suspected sighting of the animal happened behind Abbotsley golf club in St Neots on December 18 last year.

After the man saw the cat today he tried to contact the wildlife trust but because of the coronavirus lockdown there was no immediate answer.

"I rang the number but because of the pandemic everything has to be done through email so I have sent one and I'm waiting for a reply", he said.

Have you spotted a similar animal? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@cambridge-news.co.uk.