Another cat has reportedly been 'murdered' in Forest Hill, just days after a beloved family pet was found beheaded in Petts Wood.

The latest reported killing could be linked to the so-called Croydon cat killer, and pet owners are being urged to be wary as the number of deaths continues to rise.

Buddy was the second cat found dead in south east London in less than a week, according to animal rescue centre South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl).

Originally named Stripes, Buddy was reportedly found on Saturday evening, April 9.

In a post on social media, Snarl wrote: "His family are absolutely distraught at the manner of his death and have said they will never get over it."

Snarl is linking hs death with the previous spate of animal killings, which is being investigated by police and the RSPCA.

Four days earlier, Tuesday, April 5, Merlin was found beheaded in Crest View Drive, Petts Wood.

The killer had chopped off a limb and removed the cat's internal organs.

Georgie Grange, who had owned 7-year-old Merlin since he was a kitten, said his discovery was a “massive shock”.

She has spoken out to warn other cat owners in south east London.

Miss Grange said she was aware of the "Croydon cat killer", but hadn't realised there had been attacks in the Bromley borough.

The 24-year-old told News Shopper: “He has been handed over to the RSPCA to do an autopsy to see if they can find anything.

“They did say to me that he was already dead before any mutilation happened, which is kind of nicer I suppose.”

News Shopper:

Merlin as a kitten.

To date, the RSPCA has linked 19 cat deaths across London

A spokeswoman for the animal charity said: “A dedicated team is continuing to work closely with the police and looking into all evidence given to us to see if there is deliberate cruelty involved.

“We are particularly keen to be called if and when a cat is found dead in suspicious circumstances so we can do all relevant tests and investigate what killed him or her.

“We continue to ask anyone with any information at all to call us on 0300 123 8018 or DS Andy Collin from the Metropolitan Police on 0208 6490216.”