A pet detective striving to return a missing cat to a "distraught" Bromley family has set up a 24-hour-hotline to bolster the investigation.

Erik Gerstenmaier, 38, was on holiday with his wife and nine-month-old baby when his cat Taco went wandering.

Taco, two, was staying with his brother when he escaped a cattery in Oakley Road in Keston between October 2 and October 3.

READ MORE - Bromley family hire pet detectives after beloved cat goes missing

News Shopper:

The family, from Bromley Common, has hired pet detectives to help find Taco after feeling compelled to cancel a Thanksgiving trip to America.

Pet investigator Tom Watkins, founder of Animal Search UK, explained the reasoning behind a 24-hour hotline.

He said: “Taco’s family has done a tremendous amount of hard work so far. Sadly, they have received several hoax calls.

“To curb that, we have also announced a dedicated line for Taco’s case. Callers will be put through to our 24-hour specialist team.

“The calls are free for the caller and offer the opportunity for people to ring at any time of day or night. We will pass on genuine information to Taco’s family immediately.”

Speaking to News Shopper, fearful pet owner Erik said: “We are absolutely distraught. It has thrown our lives upside down.”

He said his little boy will continue to miss his bedtime buddy until Taco is finally home.

A spokeswoman for the cattery said Taco managed to push through wires to escape and it was the first time something like this had happened in over a decade.

Taco, who is jet black, slender with short hair, was wearing a red reflective collar and a silver tag when he went missing.

The number for the hotline is 0800 4 320 340 and the quote reference number is 358922.

Alternatively, anyone with information on Taco can email Erik on erik.gerstenmaier@gmail.com.