Cat killer who's claimed more than nine lives: Neighbours employ security guard in hunt for poisoner

By ANDREW LEVY

Cat killer: Caroline Middlebrook's cat Cleo, who died in October of last year, is among those poisoned with anti-freeze in the Essex village of Runwell


With eight dead and two missing from the same area in little over two years, it’s a crime rate that rivals Midsomer Murders.

No cat is safe, it seems, from the Runwell Poisoner.

All that is known about the culprit is that he or she poisons the victims using anti-freeze, whose sweet taste attracts cats but which contains glycol, causing kidney failure when it crystallises inside.



Cat killer: Animal lovers in Runwell, Essex, have paid thousands so that security guards can patrol the streets after a spate of anti-freeze deaths that included Paige, pictured


Three of the dead pets belonged to Terry Lewis, 30, a bank project manager who lives in Saxon Close, Runwell – a village near Wickford, Essex.

Three-year-old Leo's death earlier this month followed those of six-year-old Paige in October last year and one-year-old Phoebe in October 2009.

Mr Lewis, who lives with his partner Hayley Williams, 28, a software developer, spent £10,000 on vets' bills and dialysis in an attempt to save his stricken pets and put up posters around the neighbourhood to alert other cat owners.


Victims: Two of Hayley Williams and Terry Lewis' cats Pheobe, left, and Leo, who both died from poisoning


At one point this year the posters were torn down five days running so he spent £3,000 hiring security guards. But they failed to catch the culprit.

'I think the police should launch a murder inquiry,' he said.

'If someone’s prepared to hurt animals you don’t know what else they might be prepared to do.'


Gone: Caroline Middlebrook's cat Noodle who was put on medication after being poisoned but died last month


Missing: Carol Howarth's cat Roo, left, disappeared in December and another of the Howarth's cats, Tigger, has not been seen since March


A police community support officer carried out house-to-house inquiries after the death toll began to mount, but found no clue to the killer's identity.

A spokesman said: 'We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks their pet may have been subject to anything like this.'


Scene of the crimes: The little Essex village of Runwell is usually a quiet place


Map showing where the attacks have taken place in Essex

source: dailymail