Police are hunting a sick cat killer who scythed off the leg of a child’s beloved pet and left it for dead.

Louie, a black and white male cat, had to be put down after being found seriously injured by his “hysterical” owner in Sutton on Tuesday.

The moggy, bought for a nine-year-old boy by his mum to cheer him up as he recovered from an illness in hospital, had gone roaming at about 5pm the previous day.

Louie seemed fine when seen exploring nearby streets and gardens by neighbours on Tuesday.

But the five-year-old feline returned to his home at 10.45am with a gash on his nose, a sticky substance on his neck and his severed front leg attached only by skin.

The cat's owner, a woman in her 20s, took Louie to an emergency vet who said the cut was too clean to have been caused by an accident.

Police said they were looking for someone whom may have suffered cuts to their arms, hands and face as officers believe Louie put up a brave fight.

The cat was put down by a vet yesterday after his injuries became infected.

Animal welfare charity PETA said they would dish out a £5,000 to find a sick killer who is suspected of butchering cats in neighbouring Croydon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sutton police on 101, quoting reference number 4000752/16, or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 55 111.