Essex Police believe 'lion' was 'a large domestic cat'
– Essex Police spokesmanWe believe what was seen on Sunday evening was either a large domestic cat or a wildcat.
Extensive searches have been carried out, areas examined and witnesses spoken to; yet nothing has been found to suggest that a lion was in the area.
We would like to thank the local community and holidaymakers for their patience and support throughout the past 24 hours as the police and media presence would have been somewhat overwhelming for them.
Hunt for 'lion' in Essex called off by police
A search for a lion in Essex has been called off, with police believing the rogue animal was most likely to be a "large domestic cat".
Armed police respond to 'lion' sighting in Essex village
Police are responding to reports that a lion was seen in a field near the Essex village of St Osyth. Firearms officers have been deployed.