A group of crusaders investigating a string of fatal cat attacks across south London are appealing for the public's help after the head of a young black feline was found on an Orpington street yesterday (September 20).

The grisly discovery was made in Hayfield Road and it is thought that the moggy in question was between nine and 12 months old.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) have been tracking the unknown killer's lethal rampage for more than a year.

SNARL's leaders Tony Jenkins and Boudicca Rising are now appealing for information from the public about the latest gruesome killing.

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They wrote on Facebook: "We've taken the decision to publicise the road because we suspect that other body parts may be found in the area.

"We also need to try and identify the cat.

"If you believe this cat may be yours please contact us on 07961 030064 or 07957 830490.

"If you find body parts, please call us immediately.

"We would also be interested in hearing from anyone who saw anyone behaving suspiciously in the immediate area last night."

Initially nicknamed the 'Croydon Cat Killer', the perpetrator's hunting ground has spread and they have killed and mutilated cats across south London, including in Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich.

Now dubbed the M25 cat killer, they are said to have been responsible for the deaths of as many as 70 animals in the past five months.

SNARL has urged cat owners living within the M25 to keep their pets indoors overnight, and said anyone who spots someone acting suspiciously around animals should call police on 101 quoting Operation Takahe.

The police hunt for the killer has cost just under £40,000 after police set up Operation Takahe in December last year.