ANIMAL expert Terry Hooper believes a family of big cats could be thriving in the countryside near Highworth after a spate of sightings.

Two large adult cats and two younger creatures have recently been spotted in the area, leading Mr Hooper to the conclusion that the mysterious big cats are multiplying in the wild.

PC Graham Bailey of Highworth Police said there have been several sightings of a puma-like animal in the Highworth area and he believes not all of them could have been imagining things.

He said: "People think they are seeing things, but a few of them have seen it so there must be something."

Thames Water worker Stan Silver, 46, believes he saw one of the larger cats near Castle Eaton.

Mr Silver, from Banbury in Oxfordshire, was making his way to Highworth on the B4019 when he spotted the mysterious animal.

"I saw something moving and it was too close to the ground to be a deer so we pulled over," he said.

He added: "There was no doubt in my mind it was about 250 to 300 metres away and you could see that it was a cat."

Mr Silver, who says he has excellent eyesight, said: "After it saw us it turned on its heels and ran it was so fast and it ran right across that field. I have never seen anything move like it in my life a greyhound would not have caught up with it."

He describes it as being the size of a large dog, with a long tail, all one colour and had a very dark coat.

"I have reported it to the police as there are kids about I wouldn't want to come face to face with it."

Terry Hooper, who runs the Bristol-based Exotic Animals Register, believes this cat could be one of a family.

A woman horserider in Highworth saw two smaller cats pass her path, which Mr Hooper believes to be the offspring of the larger cat.

He said: "They were reported not so far from another bigger cat.

"The sighting of a larger animal, probably a male, in the area, means that in a month or so, we may be hearing the patter of tiny paws."

"They have had a really good time recently there are wild rabbits, deer, and ducks and geese, so they have got plenty of food. Therefore there is no reason for them not to breed."

Until 1976 there was no law governing the use of exotic cats as pets, or their release into the wild.

Anyone who sees a big cat can call Terry Hooper on 0117 902 4807 or the Gazette on (01380) 723501.