Animal experts have linked a cat found mutilated in Folkestone to the prolific 'Croydon Cat Killer'.

Also dubbed the 'M25 Cat Killer', the culprit is believed to have mutilated as many as 400 cats in a series of attacks that began in London, and have since spread across the country.

More than two years ago, police launched Operation Takahe to investigate the series of gruesome killings - typically involving the decapitation and dismemberment of cats.

On Wednesday, a female cat was found mutilated near its home in the CT19 5 area of Folkestone.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) - a Croydon-based charity working alongside Operation Takahe - believes the Croydon Cat Killer may be responsible for the death.

"We attended at the vets this evening to look at the body and confirmed that the injury was consistent with the injuries seen on other victims in the Takahe series," wrote a charity spokesman, in a Facebook post on Thursday.

"We would like to thank Kent police for their speedy response, which meant they attended at the cat's home at the same time we did and kicked off house-to-house enquiries.

"The owners do not wish to be identified and no further information will therefore be released.

"We would like to thank them for contacting us and for allowing us to examine their beautiful cat. Rest in peace little one."

On March 21 another animal - believed to be a cat - was found 'decapitated' in Minerva Avenue, Dover.

Police have been approached for a comment.