Warnings as so-called 'Croydon Cat Killer' strikes 100 miles away in Birmingham

Betsy was found at the side of a road in Birmingham Credit: SWNS

Pet owners and cat lovers are being warned to stay on high alert after the so-called Croydon Cat Killer appeared to strike in another city.

A string of slaughters in the south London area have been linked to a single killer - and police believe the same sick thug may have targeted another beloved kitten as far away as Birmingham.

The decapitated, tailless body of 11-month-old Betsy was found on the side of the road in the Erdington area on June 17, more than 100 miles from where the killer has previously operated.

Posting to Facebook, London-based South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) confirmed that having seen the body, they believed Betsy's death was the work of the Croydon Cat Killer.

Betsy was just 11 months old when she was killed Credit: SWNS

Her body has been released to the Metropolitan Police for examination as part of Operation Takahe, they added.

Leo the cat was among the victims of the Croydon Cat Killer Credit: SWNS

The Croydon Cat Killer has been blamed for the deaths of more than 100 cats, almost all of whom have been found with their heads and tails missing over the past two years.

Among them was British blue cat Leo, who was killed earlier this month, prompting a plea from Greater London Assembly members for information about the person behind the killings.

Boudicca Rising, of SNARL, said the organisation believes there may be more historical cases across the country.

Mother-of-four Amber Lewis and her son Liam, eight, lost their cat Leo to the so-called 'Croydon Cat Killer' Credit: SWNS