Pet owners are being warned to be on alert after a suspected victim of a serial cat killer has been found in Leigh.

An appeal was issued across social media after the kitten's owners were sadly informed by a neighbour that their beloved pet had been found decapitated.

The incident happened in the London Road/Dundonald Drive area of Leigh on Monday night.

The owner, Claire Rennie, wrote: "Just a warning to others as it's too late for our poor kitty.

"It's absolutely dreadful but it seems there is someone decapitating cats around the London Road and Dundonald Drive area of Leigh.

"At first we thought our kitten had been hit or injured and then got by foxes but our neighbour has just confirmed her head was missing when she found her and it was a clean cut with the collar laid next to the body and the head nowhere to be seen.

"She said it's not the first instance as a couple of her local friends have had the same thing happen.

READ MORE: 'Pet owners must be on alert for cat killer'

"We will be reporting to the police but please try and keep your kitties inside and safe at night.

"This was the first night she hadn't come in when she called and now we know why."

The appeal has been shared more than 700 times across social media platforms.

This is just the latest suspected attack of the M25 Cat Killer, also known as the Croydon Cat Killer, who is now thought that have killed, dismembered and decapitated more than 400 cats across England.

The spree began in 2014, in Croydon with the latest incident before this attack being in Western Road, Billericay, back in March.

The Met launched an investigation in December 2015 under the name Operation Takahe led by Det Sgt Andy Collin after the animal charity South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl) raised concerns about cats found dead and missing their heads and tails.

SNARL have yet to confirm whether this is a victim of the serial cat killer but are expected to begin investigating this morning.

The Met have been contacted for comment.

Anyone with information should call the Metropolitan Police on 101, the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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