An elderly cat found killed and mutilated in an Epsom garden may have been the latest victim of the Croydon Cat Killer, an animal welfare group believes.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) believe one person - sometimes known as the UK Cat Killer or the M25 Animal Killer - is behind the murder and mutilation of more than 200 animals in recent years.

And they believe the latest victim is Molly, whose body was found on Wednesday (May 10).

On a post on SNARL’s Facebook page, said: “Molly was brought home to live with her family when she was four weeks old.

“She grew up with the children and in the later part of her life befriended the two dogs who joined the family. Always independent, as she got older, she tended to stay indoors more and spent her days close to her home, relaxing and enjoying being with her loved ones.”

They added: “Her injuries were a match for those seen on victims of the UK animal killer.

“May she rest in peace and may her family be comforted by their memories of her and the love they shared.”

Tony Jenkins and Boudica Rising formed the group – which specialises in the rescue and rehabilitation of poorly treated, abused and ill cats and other animals – in 2014.

From April: A £10k reward is being put up to catch the Croydon Cat Killer

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation, Operation Tahake, into the slayings, and PETA and Outpaced have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.