Martin Clunes urges Scotland Yard catch 'Cat Ripper of Croydon'
Doc star says decapitated and dismembered cats is ‘the stuff of nightmares’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Doc Martin star Martin Clunes has written to Scotland Yard calling for officers to catch the so-called Cat Ripper of Croydon.
At least 35 cats are thought to have been “massacred” around the south London borough, according to the actor, who sent the email to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe on behalf of animal rights group Peta.
Clunes, who went to school in Croydon, wrote: “I read with horror that some of the cats had been decapitated and dismembered - this is the stuff of nightmares.
“The local community is understandably distraught and frightened. No one feels safe while this sick individual is on the loose.”
He goes on to note that mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider animal abuse to be a red flag indicating a deep mental disturbance.
“Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals don't stop there - many of them move on to their fellow humans. That is a scary thought indeed,” Clunes wrote.
He concludes the letter by saying: “Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers and given the malicious nature of these crimes, I implore you to take every measure necessary, including re-examining all available CCTV footage, to apprehend this dangerous criminal.
“The safety of the entire community depends on it.”
Peta has offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments