POLICE said CCTV shows a fox caused the injury to the tail of a decapitated cat, but enquiries are still ongoing to determine what happened to its head.

Dorset Police received a report at around 10.25am on Tuesday, November 2 from a vet in Bournemouth that the body of a cat had been found.

Tony Jenkins, of South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty, is investigating the incident, linking it with cases of the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ – a person or people who have decapitated or dismembered cats, foxes and rabbits.

Providing an update on their investigation, Dorset Police said: “An investigation is ongoing to establish how the cat died and officers have been liaising with the vet and carrying out CCTV enquiries in the area.

“CCTV has shown the already deceased cat and a fox being responsible for a wound to the tail area. The local neighbourhood policing team has been made aware.

“Enquiries remain ongoing into the report to establish how the cat died. At this time, there is nothing to suggest any third-party involvement.

“Officers can be approached by members of the public with any concerns or information while on patrol.

PC Claire Dinsdale, deputy force lead for Wildlife Crime, said: “Cats do die whilst away from their homes from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, road traffic incidents and poisoning from ingesting the smallest amount of antifreeze, which can cause kidney failure and death.

“Cats that have sadly died can be quickly taken away by foxes, which are keen scavengers and a fox will often remove certain body parts.

“Previous reports of deceased cats missing body parts in the UK, have been found, on closer post mortem examination by a veterinary forensic pathologist to show clear evidence of fox predation.”