A mystery insect spotted in an Addiscombe garden has left residents questioning what it could be.

Kathleen Gallacher of Pagehurst Road spotted the bug whilst in her garden with her friend Maureen Crogan recently and has been in doubt as to its nature ever since.

Mrs Gallacher thought at first that it could have been a praying mantis - a view which she is now sceptical of, but which her grandson James still holds to.

The grandmother said: "Whatever it was, it was beautiful and it was there for ages and ages.

"It started to shed its skin which was really fine like cotton wool.

"It was lovely, so beautiful."

Mrs Gallacher, who admits to a limited knowledge of insects is eager for the help of readers in identifying the strange creature.

"It would be nice to know what it is," she said.

"My husband just things that it's a green bug, but I'm not so sure."

Can you identify the bug? Let us know in the comments section below...