Following reports that a black panther was on the loose in Ayrshire, a young prankster, was quick to use his talents to add to the widespread panic.

Robbie Brown, 18, shared images of what appeared to be a black panther in a field just outside Sinclairston on social media shortly after a police safety warning had been issued. 

Glasgow Times:

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Residents in Drongan and Coalhall are being advised by officers to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages.

Glasgow Times:

“Officers are currently working with the SSPCA to locate the animal which may be injured.

“The area is popular with dog walkers so care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal we would ask you not to approach it.”

While some social media users were yet to be convinced, others were worried that the animal was real, and the images sparked further confusion about where it might have come from. 

Glasgow Times:

However, it has now been revealed that the creature in the images simply came from a sheet of metal and was crafted by the Ayrshire welder who heard about the panther and thought it would be funny to contribute to the speculation with photographic 'evidence' of the big cat.

Robbie's initial post received more than 3,000 shares and over 1,000 comments with residents debating the authenticity of the snaps. 

Shannon McGill said: " Hahaha the panther is in the same position in every photo."

While Jacqueline McKeand wrote: "Amazing, I would love to have seen this."