The Beast of Essex?

A frenzy of excitement in the media concerning multiple reports of lion sightings near Clacton in Essex (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/26/lion-on-the-loose-in-essex?CMP=NECNETTXT8187&google_editors_picks=true). Unlike some earlier claimed spottings of big cats, this present event led to a search by armed police supported by a helicopter. Big cats were kept as status symbols in parts of the UK some decades ago and the subsequent passing of the Dangerous Wild Animals legislation might well have resulted in some ill-advised releases of 'pets'. Having said that, all species of big cat need very substantial ranges and it seems to me unlikely that viable breeding populations could be easily established. Lions also generally go in for group hunting, so a lion on its own would be at a disadvantage. Apparently, no paw prints or fur traces were found and the police have given up the search. People can easily have their eyes tricked by distant animals appearing larger especially as the sun goes down. Perhaps it's a large moggie covered in Essex spray tan?