WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT AND IMAGES
A cat killer is slaughtering pets, dismembering them and moving the body parts into public view in order to "watch people's reactions", an animal rescue group has warned.
Pet owners are being urged to keep their beloved felines indoors following a series of horrific killings in Croydon.
It is believed that most of the attacks are taking place at night, with the corpses of dead cats being found mutilated outside people's houses and in their gardens.
Amber was found beheaded and without her tail
It is estimated that more than 20 cats have been attacked in the past two years, but in recent weeks the number of dead animals being found butchered has gone up, with the killer's "signature" the same as that two years ago.
South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) said they believe a person is behind the attacks, as the lack of blood surrounding the cats’ bodies makes them think an animal could not be responsible.
Boudicca Rising, from SNARL, told the Huffington Post UK: "I think they have been killed elsewhere and brought back.
"We are of the opinion that someone is moving the remains after killing them (the cats)."
Speaking about why someone would do such a thing, Ms Rising said: "I think they are watching to see the reactions from people.
"There is no reason why an animal would move the body. The only thing that is making sense is that someone is watching and moving them (the bodies).
"We think he is probably getting a kick at putting the body parts back."
Ms Rising said that in nearly all the cases the cats were discovered with their tails cut off and their belly cut.
One cat was found dismembered
Wayne Bryant's eight-year-old cat, Amber, was found beheaded and without her tail on Saturday - a day after she went missing from his home.
SNARL wrote on its Facebook page: "She (Amber) had wounds that matched some of the other cats found over the past two years and one in particular that seems to be a signature of this person.
"Her body will be autopsied to check how her wounds were made but given what we know we are pretty sure this is another cat that has been murdered by the person/persons who have been active in the area for the past two years."
Ukiyo was found decapitated on a neighbour's doorstep
Earlier this month, another cat, called Ukiyo, was found decapitated and dumped on a neighbour's doorstep.
The RSPCA is investigating the incidents and is asking anyone with any information to call them on 0300 123 8018.
An RSPCA spokesman said: "Thankfully acts of deliberate violence against dead cats are rare and thorough research has shown that these kind of injuries can be caused by wildlife after death and due to the small teeth it leaves a very clean wound.
"This would not even be apparent to a vet without an in depth post mortem."