Police have warned residents of two villages not to approach a mystery creature on the loose in the area.

Police Scotland said they received a report of suspected sighting of the creature at around 9.15am on Friday in fields near to the B730 road between the villages of Drongan and Coalhall, East Ayrshire.

It was initially believed to be a panther, although that theory was later debunked by a wildlife expert. 

Residents are still being advised to be vigilant and officers are currently trying to trace the animal.

The force said in a statement: "Officers who have been investigating a number of reports of a large black cat in fields near to the B730 have been liaising with a big cat expert who does not believe that it is a black panther, however cannot yet confirm what type of animal it is.

"Enquiries are still ongoing to establish more information and members of the public are still asked to take care and not approach it if seen."