An East Ham man is warning pet owners to be vigilant after his cat was left dead and disfigured in the street.

Ernest Johnson, who lives in William Morley Close, was horrified to find his cat Lucky lying dead in the street with its tail cut off after having apparently been bludgeoned to death.

The six-year-old cat, who Mr Johnson said never ventured far from his house, was found on February 12 across the road from his home.

This came as a great shock to Mr Johnson, who thought his cat had just gone missing.

A few months ago Lucky went missing for a few weeks and returned home with minor injuries - something Mr Johnson believes could be linked to his death.

After his return the cat was initially scared to go outside again, but eventually went on to make a full recovery before he was killed.

“Who would do something so vicious to a cat? It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Lucky was a docile and friendly cat who was popular with the neighbours, said Mr Johnson.

The cat could often be seen lounging around the drives on William Morley Close.

He wants to let other people know what happened to Lucky in case the perpetrator strikes again.

“I just want to make people aware and tell them to be careful,” Mr Johnson said.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force is aware of Lucky’s death.

Whilst Mr Johnson believes the death of his cat could be linked to other killings, detectives have confirmed that it is not believed to be linked to the ongoing criminal investigation into the Croydon cat killer.

Up to 15 officers have reportedly been investigating approximately 400 killings that have been linked to the south London animal murderer.

The perpetrator has recently been linked to killings outside of Croydon. Killings as far away as Northampton have been linked to the suspected south Londoner.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Met on 101, the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.