Let me first say that I am always the first to dismiss stories of aliens, or sightings of strange animals.

However early this morning I clearly saw a large cat like animal prowling behind our flats, off Netherby Road. I was brushing my teeth about 1 am when I heard a strange cry. It was unusual enough to make me open the bathroom window. At first I thought it was my neighbours cat which was sitting on the fence opposite. However I then became aware of a much larger animal prowling almost immediately under the window which is at second floor level.

This area is lit by fairly strong floodlights so other than the fact that I was looking almost straight down at it, rather than from the side, I got quite a good lock. It was very black and about the size of a small labrador!! Oddly, I am convinved it was wearing a collar though I might be wrong about that. It disappeared briefly into the stairwell entrance to my flat, then wandered off down the garden when I lost sight of it.

I stress I had not touched a drop all weekend!! I really don't want to start 'Beast of Forest Hill' type stories but I have to wonder if this was an escaped pet. I will certainly be looking over my shoulder late at night!!