'Beast of Bexhill' revealed as 'big cat caught on camera' prowling through UK countryside

The "Beast of Bexhill" has been caught on camera as members of the public spot it roaming through the UK countryside.

Stunning footage of a "very large" cat prowling around East Sussex was captured by Tim Moon, who had been driving his son home at the time of the encounter. He says he saw a "huge" creature burst from the side of the road and run across, with the 49-year-old having no doubts about what he saw.

Though he did not name a specific species, he was certain the animal he encountered was a big cat and may even have been the Beast of Bexhill. He said: "I was driving on the A2691, I always look as far ahead as possible due to deer running in the road – this happens frequently.

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"Then I noticed something very large and black running across the road. It was very long with a tail that looked equal to its body. I knew straight away it was a big cat, having seen one up close before. I’d seen another whilst working for a farmer in Horsmonden, Kent, 22 years ago, so I knew exactly what it was when I saw it."

Believers of big cats say the UK has its own population of panthers and pumas, with Tim one of the many convinced by the lurking, large felines. He added: "I’ve had no doubt for the past 22 years big cats are living and thriving in the UK.

"I don’t expect everyone to believe these animals exist in the UK, but those that have seen them should consider themselves incredibly fortunate to have witnessed them.

"It felt amazing to see another one and I’m happy these kind of big cats are in the UK." Tim has since shared his sighting on Facebook, much to the shock of fellow big cat believers who were stunned by the find. One wrote: "F**k me did you see that move!"

Another wrote: "That’s not a dog, it’s not a deer, it’s not a boar. Best footage I’ve seen in UK." A third added: "Definitely looks and moves like a large cat." NHS mental health support worker Tim added: "It was huge – bigger than the one I saw 22 years ago. I’d estimate the total length was between five and six feet."

The existence of wild cats in the UK remains unproven though members of the public have reported previous cases and sightings, with some big cats captured. Sceptics believe they are illegally kept exotic pets which have escaped or released by owners.