A cat was found decapitated in Thornton Heath, sparking fears the "Croydon Cat Killer" has claimed their latest victim.
The black moggie's body was discovered off Thornton Road on Sunday morning, according to the South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) shelter.
It is the latest in a string of gruesome suspected slaying of cats and other animals around the country that are believed to have started in Croydon.
A statement on the SNARL Facebook page said: "A black cat was found decapitated off Thornton Road in Thornton Heath this morning. Our thanks to the prompt actions of the local police and the RSPCA who both arrived before we did.
"Thanks also to the member of the public who found the cat and called us all. Rest in peace little one."
RELATED: Cat found decapitated in London Road, Thornton Heath - has the Croydon cat killer struck again?
The bodies of more than 10 felines have been found butchered in Croydon and the surrounding areas in the past six months, raising fears of a sick serial killer and prompting a police investigation.
Earlier this month the dismembered body of a ginger cat was found in the front garden of a house in London Road, Thornton Heath.
SNARL fears that the so-called cat killer is responsible for as many as 100 animal deaths over the last two years.
In a separate post today, SNARL pleaded with fearful animal lovers not to criticise the police for so far failing to catch the culprit.
It read: "Today, the police arrived at the scene in Thornton Heath long before we did. That's the same response as for a human murder. Four months ago, when two cats and a fox were murdered in Crystal Palace, the response was the same as for a human murder.
"If the police weren't working their backsides off, we'd be the first to yell, and loudly."
Anyone with information is asked to call SNARL on 07961 030064 or 07957 830490, the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, or Detective Sergeant Andy Collin from the Metropolitan Police on 0208 6490216.
Got a story? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6388 or email daniel.omahony@newsquest.co.uk
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