Three people, including a 75-year-old man, have been arrested after a cat's tail was allegedly posted through a letterbox in Hull last month. The incident follows the disappearance of Max, an eight-year-old rescue tabby cat, on Monday, 14 September.
Discovery of the tail
Max's owners reportedly found their pet's tail pushed through the mail slot at their block of flats on Appleton Road several days after he went missing. The couple later discovered their cat's remains in woodland close to their home.
A vigil held the following weekend drew more than 100 mourners, with one attendee travelling from Birmingham to pay respects to Max.
Arrests made
Humberside Police has confirmed the following arrests:
- A 37-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of malicious communications, criminal damage and failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal.
- A 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault, malicious communications, criminal damage and failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal.
- A 75-year-old arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, harassment, malicious communications and failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Police statement
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Lucy Kevan said: "An investigation was immediately launched and multiple lines of enquiry including reviewing CCTV, forensic analysis and carrying out house to house enquiries were conducted to identify those involved.
"I understand a report of this nature caused concern amongst the community however I would like to provide reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident between people known to each other. Following lines of enquiry, two men and one woman have now been arrested."
All three suspects remain in police custody.
