Two dead squirrels have been found in and around the heart of Croydon, leading to fears that the Croydon Cat Killer has struck once more.

Animal welfare group South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) were first called out to Lower Addiscombe Road on Sunday (June 4) where a tail had been found in the middle of the pavement.

The group said that after a quick examination, it appeared the squirrel's tail had been cut off.

SNARL was then called to an incident on Monday afternoon (June 5) in Beckenham where the “mutilated body of a squirrel” was found displayed on a footpath in the woods.

After examining the body, the group found “two signature injuries” that pointed to the Croydon Cat Killer.

Prior to the two incidents, local police were called to the body of a cat in the SM2 2 area of Sutton.

Once again, SNARL believed that the cat's body bore a signature injury for the UK animal killer.

The incident is being investigated under Operation Takahe.

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.

They believe one person – known as the UK Cat Killer, Croydon Cat Killer or M25 Animal Killer - is behind the killing and mutilation of more than 200 animals in recent years.

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