Police fear prolific cat killer may be behind mutilation of pet rabbit

Police in Luton are investigating the killing of a pet rabbit amid fears it may be the work of a prolific animal killer who has struck across the South East.

Officers in Luton say Caspar a grey rabbit was taken from his hutch in Stopsley, Luton, and mutilated some time between 4am and 5am on Saturday (11 November).

The owners discovered Caspar dead in a flower bed. They're appealing to people to look out for their pets.

Investigating officers believe this incident could be linked to the wider Operation Takahe where vast numbers of pets have been killed in similar situations in the South East.

More than 250 cats have been killed in a series of attacks over two years, together with dozens of foxes and rabbits.

In one incident, a cat was found without its head and tail in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The tail of another cat was found in the same spot. Another cat was found mutilated in Northamptonshire.

Officers have linked in with surrounding forces and are pursuing several lines of inquiry.