I am appealing for witnesses of big cat sightings in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

Since the early 1990s, we have had sightings in most parts of the county of large black or brown cats (leopard/puma) as well as smaller, non-native cats (lynx/jungle cat).

Your sighting is an important piece of evidence, and should be reported to Thames Valley Police as soon after your sighting as possible.

Oxfordshire Big Cat Research has been following these reports for several years and has built up a dossier on their movements and possible territories as well as big cats photographed in Oxfordshire.

If any readers have seen a large cat stalking the countryside in the past, or come across evidence they think could come from big cat activity, it would be appreciated if they could get in touch. Witness confidentiality will be respected at all times.

If you can help Oxfordshire Big Cat Research in any way, please call 07731 787249 or email bigcats_oxford@yahoo.com Our website is www.bigcatsightings.com STEVE ARCHIBALD Oxfordshire Big Cat Research Cowley Road Oxford