Fears serial cat killer will move onto 'vulnerable women and girls'

There is growing panic as investigators struggle to catch the notorious ‘Croydon cat ripper’ who is linked to the horrific mutilation of more than 400 animals across Britain.

The hunt for the killer started in September 2015 and the possibility that the cats were killed by other animals was quickly ruled out.

After hundreds of pets were found mutilated without heads and tails, the Metropolitan Police launched Operation Takahe in a bid to catch the killer.

Investigators have now confirmed that the killer struck again over the weekend following another grim discovery, prompting fears the killer’s appetite for murder could soon evolve to “vulnerable women and girls”.

“We know that there is a link between serial killers and cases of violence against animals,” Detective Sergeant Andy Collin, who is heading Operation Takahe, said.

"The concern is they will cease getting that gratification and escalate the attacks to humans, specifically vulnerable women and girls."

It’s thought members of the public came within inches of catching the killer earlier this year after finding a man standing over a cat’s body.

“He ran off when seen. Residents ran after him. Police attended with a dog but no one was located,” A Surrey Police spokesperson said.

In the last two years, SNARL (South Norwood Animal Rescue Liberty) co-founder Tony Jenkins has identified more than 400 suspected victims. Most were cats, but also some foxes and rabbits – all killed in a similar fashion.

"It's the classic head and tail removal: clean cuts on both, with a bit of additional mutilation to the stomach area," he told AFP.

"We've had cats matching that exact same thing in all sorts of different areas.”

PETA are offering more than $17,000 for information leading to the culprit's capture.

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