A decapitated tabby cat was found on the communal lawn of sheltered accommodation in Cinderford on Monday morning (March 7th).

A worker at the home in Rowandean reported the discovery of the tabby to police just after 9am. Gloucestershire Constabulary are now investigating the incident.

It is believed the cat’s head was cut off with a sharp knife, before its body was taken to the garden and dumped on the lawn. It is estimated that this happened some time overnight between Sunday and Monday.

The cat’s head has still not been discovered.

Police recovered the body and, after an inspection by a local vet, it has been returned to its owner, a local resident, to be buried.

PCSO Pete Timmins, a Rural and Environmental Crime Liaison Officer for the Constabulary, said: "This wasn’t a wound inflicted by another animal or anything like that - this was a deliberate act of cold blooded animal cruelty.

"I’m in contact with the RSPCA and will be making further inquiries to find out who did this.

"Someone in the local community must know something. If you do, you must come forward."

If you have any information, please call 101, quoting the incident reference: 66 of 7 March.