There is apparently a black panther on the loose in Scotland, police warn

Residents of two villages are being warned to be vigilant

Police have warned the public to be alert after reports of a black panther on the loose in fields near to the villages of Drongan and Coalhall, in Ayrshire. The mysterious beast was spotted at 8.45am on Friday morning. A Police Scotland statement said: "Residents in Drongan and Coalhall are being advised by officers to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages. "Officers are currently working to locate the animal which may be injured. "The area is popular with dog walkers so care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal we would ask you not to approach it, but to contact Police via 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday 19 October 2018". A spokewoman added: "A thorough search of the area was carried out this morning with assistance from the police helicopter. "However, officers have been unable to trace the animal. Officers are currently liaising with an expert in order to confirm the identity of the animal". The SSPCA had been called in to help, but have since stood down as they are “unequipped” to deal with big cats, as they told Metro. Black panther is a catch-all term for a dark-coloured big cat of any species.