Has a black leopard been spotted in a Croydon allotment ?

During the week of 14 - 20th September a woman had an unnerving experience in a Croydon allotment, 4 pm one afternoon whilst in the company of her 17 month old son. A large black cat with a blotchy coat ambled just a few metres from her and headed off towards a park, disturbing a number of birds in the trees. The witness described the animal as muscular with heavy, padded feet. This is currently under investigation.