Mystery figure dressed as big cat on the prowl

Sightings of the costume-clad figure have been reported near Wallasey beach in Wirral

A mystery figure dressed in a large black cat costume has been seen prowling secluded areas close to a beach.

The bizarre sightings have prompted a flurry of comments and photographs posted on Facebook by residents living near Wallasey beach in Wirral.

A video posted on the website showed car passengers screaming as the figure was seen approaching close to their vehicle.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said she hoped anyone with concerns would report them to the police.

One Facebook user posted: "Was walking my dog tonight and heard a man making cat noises, shone a torch he was waving his arms at me before crawling up the hill. Never been so scared."

Another told the BBC how she was out for a dog walk when she noticed something strange.

A video shot at night captured the figure through the window of a car

The woman said: "I drove down to the coast by the Harvester pub to walk my dog and as soon as I was away from the street lights I began to hear a feline growling to my left.

"My little terrier, Mac, started barking away at the figure, so I got my phone for light and captured a short video. A man in a panther costume then crawled up the hill on all fours.

"I didn't feel scared really, he was just waving his arms and making panther noises. I felt more confused than scared."

Another man walking his dog along the beach said he believed he knew who the figure might be and thought it was intended to be a prank.

"I don't know his name, I think it's just a wind up. He's definitely not out to frighten people, he does it for fun," he said.

"He just likes being a giant cat. He doesn't frighten our dog."