A DECOMPOSING cat’s head found in a family's pond is believed to be the work of the so-called ‘cat killer’.

The cat, discovered in a Barkingside home’s back garden, cannot be identified as it was already decomposed.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) is now advising people to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

Formerly dubbed ‘the Croydon cat killer’, the culprit is predominantly active in South London, but SNARL receive calls of incidents in East London around once a week.

SNARL’s Boudicca Rising, 45, said: “We received a call from someone yesterday who went out to his pond and saw a cat’s head bobbing around in it.

“We have investigated the mutilation of more than 200 animal body parts since October 2015.

“Basically this person is a coward, hurting animals that cannot fight back.”

Yesterday, the group attended a house in Wood Side, Croydon, where the body of another cat was also discovered.

The majority of the attacks reported have been in Greater London, although mutilations by the same attacker have been found in locations including Birmingham, Manchester and the Ilse of Wight.

Cat owners have been advised to keep their pets safe by keeping them inside at night, as this is when the majority of attacks occur.

Ms Rising added: “We do not really have any serial killers, this is the first serial animal killer in this country.

“We do not have that much data, in the US however there are many serial killers and every single one of those people started with animals.

“The fact that he or she has been doing this for such a long time indicates that they are comfortable doing this, and may not move on.”

Animal charities PETA and Outpaced are offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information and arrest of the animal killer.

If you witness a cat being attacked or kidnapped, you are advised to contact the police on 101 and quoting Operation Takahe (pronounced Tahakay).

If you find an animal body that has been decapitated or mutilated, or if you find body parts (heads, legs, paws or tails) you are encouraged to contact SNARL directly, who attend the scenes with the police.

If you cat has been missing for the past week are advised to call the pet detectives on 07961 030064 or 07957 830490.