M25 cat killer linked to Brighton pet's death

A long-haired brown cat found dead on Brading Road last week was discovered with ‘horrendous’ injuries.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), a charity which is currently assisting the investigation, said a woman discovered the cat when its remains were dragged into her garden by a fox.

The charity said it believed the injuries were inflicted by a human, and that the perpetrator was the M25 cat killer - who is thought to have dismembered and decapitated more than 100 cats in Croydon and surrounding areas since 2014.

A spokesperson for SNARL said: “Very sadly it has transpired that the deceased cat I scanned this morning has been a victim of the evil murderers who are killing and mutilating cats across the country.”

Tony Jenkins, co-founder of SNARL, urged Brighton cat owners to be aware of where their pet is and to keep it indoors, especially at night.

“Cats can get frustrated when they can’t go out, so if you are keeping them inside consider getting a scratcher or some new toys.

“Play with them and keep them company wherever possible. Let cats out only with supervision.”

Mr Jenkins said he believes that the Brighton killing, and more than 100 in the London area are linked.

He said: “Because there have never been two killings on any one day in two places too far apart to travel in a day, we have to treat this as if there is only one person doing it.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We received a report from a cat rescue worker that a woman had found a decapitated cat in her garden in Brading Road, Brighton, on Friday (January 6).

“The report was for information only and we informed the Metropolitan Police who have been carrying out an investigation into reports of cat killings in the south east.”