Ramblers and dog walkers have been warned to take care after three reported sightings of a bear on the loose - in a Suffolk forest.

The animal was spotted over the weekend as it roamed around 3,700-acre Rendlesham Forest near Woodbridge.

Jenny Pearce saw the creature while exploring the area with her three-year-old son after having a picnic.

She said: 'I saw it moving through the trees ahead. It was much bigger than a dog. I picked up my son and left for the car straight away.' 

A spokesman for the Forestry Commission said workers were investigating the sightings.

He added: 'We don't have bears in the wild this country, so if this creature was a bear, it would have escaped or been released.

'But we have had no sightings officially reported to us. If people do see a bear they ought to call the police because it would be very dangerous.' 

Rendlesham Forest made headlines after a UFO was allegedly spotted there in 1980.

The incident became known as 'Britain's Roswell.' 

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: 'If there was a bear in the woods, it would be a matter of concern. But we have received no reports.'