TWO cats have been killed in gardens in Chorley.

An investigation has been launched by police after two cats on Greenwood in Clayton-le-Woods were discovered dead on lawns last Thursday.

PC Craig McCabe said: “Early indications suggest that these cats may have been killed deliberately.

“I understand that this may cause some concern in the local area and I would like to reassure residents that we are taking this matter extremely seriously and will do everything that we can to identify any offenders.

“If anyone has any information relating to these incidents or has seen anything suspicious around this area in the early hours I would urge you to either contact me directly or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Nicola Wyton, of Greenwood, believes her 20-year-old cat Brandy was the first one killed.

She said: “We cannot believe it and I’m still in shock about the whole thing.

“We gave him some food at 4.45am and and then let him out.

“My dad came and told me that the body was in the front garden and something had happened between 5.30am and 8.30am.

“We have heard from one of our neighbours their cat was killed on the same day and we think Brandy was drowned, like the other.

“Our Brandy was the first one killed. Our neighbour said there was a guy acting suspiciously in the area.

“Then another person has told me that two guys were seen over the weekend with an air rifle.

“It looks like they have drowned them then they have put them back in people’s gardens. They are evil people and we just want to find out who has done it.”

n If you have any information on this incident then email 1983@lancashire.pnn.police.uk