AYRSHIRE POLICE, who earlier today issued a safety warning after receiving a report of what was believed to be a black panther on the loose in the area, have now said that the mystery animal is 'not a panther'.

Residents in Drongan and Coalhall were advised by officers to be vigilant after a report was received of a sighting of what was believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages.

In their latest statement, a police spokeswoman said: "Officers who have been investigating a number of reports of a large black cat in fields near to the B730 have been liaising with a big cat expert who does not believe that it is a black panther, however cannot yet confirm what type of animal it is.

"Inquiries are still ongoing to establish more information and members of the public are still asked to take care and not approach it if seen."

Police first received a call about a sighting at 8.45am. Officers subsequently worked to locate the animal which they thought might be injured. A helicopter was dispatched in the search.

Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue had been liaising with police but said it was 'unequipped' to deal with a black panther, if that was indeed what was on the loose. Officer Alistair Hill said: “We can confirm we have received reports regarding a possible panther sighting in Ayr. We have liaised with Police Scotland and informed them that we are unequipped to deal with such animals and therefore will not be involved in investigating the incident.”

The area is popular with dog walkers. Police are advising that care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal they should not approach it, but contact Police via 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday October 19.