Yahoo News Croydon cat killer: how the three year police hunt unfolded
Scotland Yard today said the most likely culprits in the investigation into the so-called Croydon cat killer were foxes.
The Metropolitan Police announced the findings today after reports that a serial cat killer was behind the slaughter and mutilation of up to 500 pets across the UK.
For nearly three years, police and animal activists have been hunting for a culprit, also dubbed the M25 cat killer, who was suspected of bludgeoning animals to death before dissecting their corpses.
Today Scotland Yard announced that a review of all the evidence had found no trace of human involvement, with no CCTV sightings, no witnesses and no forensic leads.
Here is a timeline of how the three-year police investigation unfolded.
Sept 2015
South Norwood Animal and Rescue Liberty (Snarl) raises concerns about Facebook reports of four mutilated cats in Addiscombe, near Croydon.
Oct 2015
Reports begin flooding in of more mutilated cats after local papers carry stories about the “Cat Ripper of Croydon”.
Nov 2015
Croydon police launch an investigation.
Jan 2016
Animal rights activists announce a £5,000 reward for capture of cat killer with reports of 30 cat deaths.
Feb 2016
Actor Martin Clunes emails then Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe urging him to step up the hunt for the cat killer.
April 2016
Details emerge of post-mortem findings which conclude cats were killed by “blunt force” then mutilated with a sharp instrument.
May 2016
Snarl claims Croydon cat killer is now operating across suburbs of London with more than 50 pets reported killed.
June 2016
Reports that the killer has struck 100 times.
Sept 2017
Bounty raised to £10,000 amid claims of 300 victims.
Dec 2017
Officer leading hunt warns of known links between human serial killers and people who harm animals.
Jan 2018
Reports that cat killer is snared when police in Northampton arrest 31-year-old truck driver in connection with local cat killings. Police play down links with Croydon.
Feb 2018
Team of 15 Met officers work on the case with reports of mutilated cat attacks as far afield as Manchester, Brighton and the Isle of Wight.
August 2018
Met asks vet to review first post-mortem findings.
