Another claimed sighting of the infamous Beast of Essex has been made.

Colchester man John Shelley was driving home along the A12 on Monday night when he says a big black animal ran out in front of his car and across the carriageway.

Mr Shelley, of Orsino Walk, Greenstead, said: "I was doing about 65mph and had my lights on full beam. A big black thing like a panther ran across the road.

"It came across the road and the lights dazzled it for about three to four seconds. I dipped them, then it ran across to the other side."

The beast, which was "definitely not a dog" said Mr Shelley, was spotted near the Ardleigh slip road on the A12 at 8.40pm.

The last reported sightings of the animal were in September last year in Layer de la Haye and East Mersea.

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