A spate of cat stabbings in Brighton are being investigated by a Sussex Police.
The force said: “Sussex Police have received further reports of injured or deceased cats following the suspected stabbing of a pet in Ditchling Rise, Brighton, on Monday (19 November).
“Two officers have now been allocated to investigate the reports and establish whether there may be links between those that have not been shown to be attacks by other animals or accidental injury.”
PC Andy Chapman said: “We are taking these incidents very seriously and we have already spoken at the North Laine local action team meeting.
“In total, seven reports have been made since mid-September of which two have been confirmed as highly likely to be stabbing injuries.
“We understand the impact and emotional distress caused to the owners of much-loved pets and we are determined to put an end to these attacks.
“However, we do need help from the public.
“I urge anyone with information or who believes that their pet has been the victim of a deliberate, malicious attack is asked to report online or call 101 quoting Operation Diverge.”