The devastated owners of a cat whose severed tail was posted through their letterbox have now found his remains in woodland.
Heartbroken owners Lisa and Louise, who have chosen to remain partially anonymous, had been searching for their eight-year-old tabby cat Max since he disappeared last Monday (September 14). On Saturday, Lisa went to collect the post and discovered Max's distinctive white-tipped tail had been placed in their letterbox.
Body found in woodland
The pair were then told by a neighbour that Max's body had been found in woodland near their home in Hull. The pair believe the remains were deposited in the woodland at some stage on Friday.
Lisa and Louise said they had scoured the woodland on multiple occasions over the preceding fortnight, discovering no sign of Max whatsoever. It was a neighbour walking their dog who eventually made the grim discovery.
Max's owners initially thought he may have simply strayed, and posted appeals on Facebook requesting any information about sightings of their cherished pet. They affectionately described their cat as 'daft as a brush' who loved people, 'especially men', reports Yorkshire Live.
Forensic examination
On Saturday, Lisa made the horrifying discovery when she opened her letterbox slot in the couple's apartment block, only to find Max's severed tail inside. She kept the tail in a plastic bag while police were contacted. The tail, which Lisa believes had been forcibly removed, has since been submitted for forensic examination.
The couple, who are set to marry next month, are now contemplating whether their wedding should proceed as planned. They say they are living in terror within their own home, barricading their bedroom door each night, and have subsequently sent their other cat to stay with friends for safety.
Appeal for information
Lisa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming 'love and support' the couple has received from the public, and appealed to local residents to review their CCTV footage, as she believes 'he has only just been put there'. The couple intend to hold a vigil on Sunday evening at 7pm in the gardens outside their home, where Max was last seen.
A Just Giving page, established by a friend of the owners to raise reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for Max's death, has accumulated £1,300 since it was launched on Tuesday.
On Monday, Humberside Police released a statement appealing for anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 26*132718.
