FOOTAGE of a ‘big cat’ has been captured on CCTV at a Stroud industrial estate.

Expert Frank Tunbridge, who has studied large, exotic felines for 25 years, reckons the footage shows a ‘jungle cat hybrid’ at least three foot in length.

"It is not a giant but it is much larger than most big feral cats," he said.

"It looks to be around 15 inches at the shoulder – roughly the size of a large fox."

He added that the cat was most likely out scavenging for food as its preferred prey, namely mice, voles and rabbits, would be hiding away in the icy conditions.

He also claimed this time of the time was a big cat’s mating season, which could also explain its appearance.

"I have had reports of big cat sightings all over the Five Valleys from Cirencester to Stone near Dursley," said Frank, who runs his own online big cat blog.

"People just can not get their heads around the fact that we have a British big cat and it has been living with us for 30 – 40 years."

Before the end of the winter, Frank said he hopes to set up baited trip cameras in certain ‘hotspots’ around the county to comprehensively capture footage of a large cat.

Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed a big cat in the region can contact Frank on 0771 1476 715 - all calls are taken in confidence.