Armed police were called after a ''big cat'' was spotted on the loose in North London.
Big cat
Officers headed to Hampstead as they feared the animal posed a threat to people, but it was later established that it was a Savannah cat, a cross between a domestic and wild animal.
One local resident explained how she and her daughter fled their garden after the creature appeared from the bushes.
The unnamed woman said: ''I was sitting having dinner with my daughter in the garden when the head appeared. It looked normal so I didn't take much notice but then the body came out.
''It was elongated, really too big for a domestic pet. The markings were like that of a cheetah or leopard.
''We were scared. I said to myself, 'we should not be here', and ran in the house. I took a picture on the way, it was frightening.''