BIG cat sightings in the Cotswolds are frequently dismissed in popular debate as cock-and-bull stories.

Sceptics believe the sightings are a case of mistaken identity, where people see what they want to see rather than what is actually there.

But growing numbers are claiming to have spotted a large black beast prowling around the countryside, while Gloucestershire police have actually appointed an officer to look into the mysterious sightings.

Wildlife crime officer Mark Robson is a firm believer in the elusive cats and he is keen to hear from anyone who has seen one.

The Quedgeley-based officer said: "Any sightings whether definite or not should be reported just in case.

"We have had quite a few recently, especially over towards Cirencester and South Cerney and certainly more than average compared to years before.

"People are seeing something which doesn't naturally fit their surroundings but which catches their eye.

"I'd rather people rang in than not ring in at all - it's like information about any crime. We want to build up a pattern of sightings and go from there.

"The public don't think we are interested - sometimes I get information through the press or through a colleague who read a local paper elsewhere."

In the last six months the Standard has received dozens of calls from residents claiming to have seen a puma-like beast in the Cirencester area.

Large feline footprints have been photographed, while in September CCTV footage of a beast was printed on our front-page.

The grainy picture appeared to show a large cat at least 4.5ft in length walking next to a zebra crossing near the centre of Cirencester.

And Danny Bamping, the founder of the British Big Cat Society, verified its authenticity. He also told the Standard that Gloucestershire was a hotspot for big cat sightings, with 104 reported to the BBCS in the last 15 months.

However, despite the number of sightings in the Cotswolds photographic evidence of a big cat has yet to come to light.

Mr Robson said: "My personal view is that big cats do exist. We had hair removed from a fence post in the Cotswolds earlier this year. The forensic tests were inconclusive but the scientist said to me that in his opinion it was a big cat.

"The photographic evidence will come and I am sure a close encounter will come, but we're prepared for that if it does happen and people shouldn't be worried.

"There are two species that we are aware of - black leopard and puma - but it is mainly black leopards.

"There were 40 sightings in the Cotswolds reported to the police in the last 12 months, but I think a lot of people log on to the BBCS rather than call us.

"We liase closely with the BBCS, but I would like the public to ring us directly and ask for me or just report it as a big cat sighting."

Gloucestershire police have also warned those people hoping to be the first to catch or kill a wild cat to think twice.

Similarly, the BBCS is concerned about the allure of big game hunting.

Mr Robson said: "There are a couple of people that we know about from our area that are keen to bag one. But it's for the money not the scientific approach.

"We wouldn't want anybody to hunt a cat for any purpose unless it was authorised by the police or Defra. Of course, people out looking for a cat is fine. It is like a snake - it won't want to get anywhere near you - it will back away."