Croydon Cat Killer probe as man ARRESTED after pets slaughtered in Northampton
A MAN has been arrested in connection with the slaughter of five pets, as police probe whether the case is linked to the Croydon Cat Killer.
SNARL
The 31-year-old was held after five cats were found dead and mutilated in Northampton between August and November last year.
Northamptonshire Police said the suspect, who was arrested in connection with arson attacks and cat mutilations in the Duston and Kingsley Park areas, has been released under investigation.
Over a period of several months, each animal had their heads cut off and were mutilated.
Their bodies were then left for their horrified owners to find.
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Northamptonshire Police confirmed it is working closely with the Metropolitan Police probe into a number of animal deaths, known as Operation Takahe.
The Met has been investigating the so-called Croydon Cat Killer over around 400 animal deaths since 2015.
And there have been a string of reported attacks over the festive period in south London, north London, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, and Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Co-founder of South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), Boudicca Rising, said the cat killer had not been caught and pet owners should be careful.
SNARL
She said: "What is really clear from the timeline over Christmas is that he was in south London and then started travelling again.
"We have always thought he is a south London resident.
"He seemed at ease with getting around and the killings seemed more confident.”
The Met has been working with the RSPCA and SNARL, while a £10,000 reward has been offered to anyone who provides information that could lead to the arrest of the killer.
But although the Northampton offences are similar to attacks in the London area, officers cannot be sure they were carried out by the same person.
The attacks began on August 28 when the body of pet Rusty were left in a bag on its Northampton owner’s doorstep.
On September 6, Topsy’s remains were dumped outside her family home in Kingsley.
The following month, a mutilated body was found in Duston, followed by another gruesome find a week later.
And on November 18, a cat was mutilated and left on a car roof in Northampton.
The Met said it was 'aware' of the arrest and its own investigation was ongoing.
