Detectives investigating the Croydon Cat Killer reveal the culprit is probably a fox

Detectives investigating the so-called Croydon Cat Killer believe they have found the culprit - and it comes from within the animal kingdom.

Scotland Yard said its three-year investigation, which saw dozens of slain animals examined, has concluded humans are unlikely to have been responsible for killings.

Instead, a fox or foxes are believed to be behind the mutilations in south London.

The Metropolitan Police said that many of the cats suffered blunt trauma injuries consistent with being hit by cars, before being ravaged by foxes.

Officers worked closely with the RSPCA and local charity South Norwood Animal Rescue League.

Police say no evidence of human involvement was found in any of the reported cases. There were no witnesses, no identifiable patterns and no forensic leads that pointed to human involvement. Witness statements were taken, but no suspect was identified.