THE UK Cat Killer has struck in the area, according to an animal charity.

Snarl, the charity attempting to track down the killer, said a cat had its head, paws and tail removed in an attack on Friday at about 3pm.

The incident happened in the BN2 area of Brighton, though the exact address is not being revealed.

The charity said: “The body of a well-loved cat was found in a neighbouring garden on Friday afternoon. The cat was last seen around midnight on Thursday evening.

“The head and both front paws as well as the tail had been removed in a manner consistent with previous cases.

“The owners are aware and, for now, wish to remain anonymous.

“We will be including this as part of the ongoing investigation.”

The charity said the incident is not linked to the “Brighton Cat Killer” believed to be targeting cats in the Ditchling Rise area. Those cases are being investigated by Sussex Police under Operation Diverge.