Folklore and fairytales are filled with bizarre and terrifying creatures, from the Loch Ness Monster, or a vengeful wolf blowing down pig's houses, to the troll under the bridge from billy goats gruff. But it's rare for these creatures to transcend literature and enter the pages of what's normally the non-fiction content of newspapers. However, a sighting from a dog walker in Royal Tunbridge Wells has thrust the possibility of a 'creature' right into the focus of public view, reports the Telegraph.

Apparently, sightings of an 8ft hairy creature with burning red eyes have been going on for over decades years. An elderly couple apparently saw one on the town common during the second world war back in 1942. "They were sitting on a bench when they became aware of a shuffling noise behind them," 'Graham S.' wrote on the Tunbridge Wells People (TWP) website. "Upon turning around they saw a tall, ape-like creature with eyes that were burning red moving slowly towards them. They both fled - terrified."

Now, 70 years on, the past 6 months have been rife with new sightings of the creature. "One of the strangest stories to emerge about Tunbridge Wells this week is the claims that a British Bigfoot has been spotted in woodland near the town." TWP said. According to the Sun one witness claimed that it was covered in hair and had "long arms and stood at around 8ft tall". Local man Andy Sneider said: "I don't really believe in all this, but if there is even the remotest chance that a bigfoot is living in the woods in Tunbridge Wells Common then I'll be steering clear for the time being." In a discussion thread on TWP a user named 'Bigfoot' expressed that they wish to be left alone, it seems Mr Sneider has nothing to worry about.