Animal charities fear the so-called 'Croydon Cat Killer' has struck again after the discovery of a decapitated cat.

The mutilated animal was found with its head missing near Coulsdon. RSPCA inspectors came to collect the torso.

The latest death in Croydon is thought to be the 30th case, according to animal charity South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL).

The organisation's founders Tony Jenkins and partner Boudicca Rising said: "We now have 31 cases confirmed by post mortem, with around 90 since Feb 2016 which bear the hallmarks of what is believed, through forensic evidence, to be the same killer."

The culprit was initially branded the Croydon Cat Killer and has since been referred to as the "M25 cat killer" as the kill zone increased.

Police are searching for a single person believed to be responsible for the deaths and mutilations.

Most of the cases have been in the south of London, but victims have also been found on the Isle of Wight, Brighton, Maidstone in Kent, as well as Surrey and Berkshire.

"We advise that anyone living in the greater London area keep their cats indoors as much as they can and let them out only during the day when they can be supervised," Ms Rising said.

Katya Mira of the RSPCA said: "I can confirm we have been contacted about this poor cat, but do not know any details yet.

"The RSPCA takes all calls about animal welfare very seriously and there is a dedicated team continuing to work closely with the police and looking into all evidence given to us surrounding cat deaths in the Croydon area to see if there is deliberate cruelty involved."

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information to come forward.