IT’S big, it’s hairy and it has been spotted lurking in a Hampshire community.

A giant bizarre-looking creature that is said to be 4ft long, 2ft high and about four times the size of a domestic feline has been spotted by numerous residents.

Eyewitnesses agree it is dark grey with white patches, huge paws, long legs, a long curved tail, spiked-up fur and a wolfish appearance.

Witnesses have likened its colouring to that of a snow leopard, There have been five reported sightings of the cat in the last few weeks by several different people, all in the Valley Park area of Chandler’s Ford.

It has been seen strolling across a sleepy cul-de-sac in the middle of the afternoon, raiding bins and even patiently waiting on a traffic island in a busy road for an opportunity to cross.

The first to suspect the presence of a mystery beast was grandmother Dianne Moran, 66, who spotted the massive moggy’s footprints in the snow late last year.

She then got the shock of her life when she glanced onto her porch to see the cat leap over her 10ft high fence, make its way across her patio and disappear up a cut way.

She has since seen the odd animal twice, darting about by the woods near Knightwood School.

The legal secretary said: “I was a bit scared when I saw it, just because of its sheer size, although it didn’t seem to be aggressive. First I thought it was a wolf but when I saw it close-up it was a cat.

“I was so relieved other people have seen it. My children told me I was losing my mind.

“Its very strange to look at. I don’t what kind of cat it is, I was thinking of putting some food out for it to try and get a picture so I can find out.

“It looks exotic, I can’t imagine it being any-one’s pet.”

The latest sighting was by county, district and parish councillor Alan Dowden and his wife and fellow councillor Celia as it strolled past them in Knightwood Road.

Cllr Dowden drew a sketch of what the animal looked like and added: “I have never seen anything like it before in a zoo or in the wild. It could have its lair anyway in the countryside around here and live off rabbits and small animals.

“It may well not be aggressive but I wouldn’t want it sat on my bed. I think people should be vigilant and just be aware it is out there.”

Councillor Dowden was so concerned he even informed local schools.

Marwell Wildlife animal expert Bill Hall is sceptical, however. He said: “You don’t get many cats of this colouring unless you are halfway up the Himalayas, and then you are talking snow leopard.

I think we can rule that out.

“Big cats need big food. We are not hearing reports of dogs being dragged off in the middle of the night or horses being killed.

“There is a slim chance it is a cross-breed between wild and domestic, like the leopard and safari cats that can be odd looking and larger than normal.

“I am 99.9 per cent sure this is an unusual-looking dog or large domestic cat. Like people, sometimes you get cats that are a hell of a size.”