THE mystery "big cat" which has been prowling the hills around Petersfield was seen again this week.

A father and son who came face to face with it described it as a golden brown, bear-like animal about the size of a large Alsatian dog sitting by the track.

But when it got up and jumped away through the hedge line its movements were very cat-like and it had large paws.

Last Sunday at about 9 pm the father and son were off-road riding a motorcycle on a track between Steep and Hawkley. They were near Wheatham Farm when they spotted the animal.

Over the years there have been intermittent reports of large unidentified cat-like animals in the area. In one a young man delivering a pizza to Liss saw a "big cat" crossing Hillbrow Road, chasing two deer.

There were also the two strange incidents in February this year at Buckmore Farm, Froxfield. Two 20-week-old piglets and then a huge sow were killed. Farmer John Ellis said the sow would have put up a terrific fight. All the animals were partially eaten.

A former Ministry of Agriculture veterinary surgeon said that if the animals had been attacked by a pack of domestic dogs it would be unusual for them to eat animals they had killed.

Petersfield police would be grateful to hear of any other sightings of the "big cat". Please ring the Petersfield Wildlife Liaison officer, Sgt Stuart Tripp, on 0845 045 45 45.