FRESH sightings of a big cat in the county have sparked a massive airborne police search.

West Mercia Police yesterday called in West Midlands Safari Park head warden Bob Lawrence after a member of the public spotted a panther-like creature in Kidderminster.

But despite the force helicopter being scrambled, no trace of the animal could be found.

Insp Stuart Macmillan said the helicopter began its search at around 10.30am.

The sighting was the second in as many weeks.

"A member of the public reported seeing a big black-coloured cat - possibly a panther - in the area close to the junction of Spennells Valley Road and Comberton Road," he said.

"Police conducted s search of the area using their aerial support unit.

"West Mercia Police engaged the expertise of Bob Lawrence throughout the search. The search however proved negative.

"A similar sighting had been reported in the same area at 1.50am on Wednesday, August 30, but despite a search by the police the animal concerned was not located."

Mr Lawrence would not rule out the possibility of a panther roaming wild in Worcestershire.

He spent an hour-and-a-half on standby as officers hovered above the sighting area.

"It's possible there is one in the county," he said.

"You can't dismiss it. There may be one or two.

"It may be that they're escaped pets that people shouldn't have had in the first place.

"If you're holding an animal illegally and it escapes then there's not much chance of doing anything about it, but I haven't heard of any parks or zoos losing one recently."

Further sightings should be reported to Kidderminster police on 01562 820888.