Horror as West Midlands woman finds 16 dead cats in garden pond

Paula Singleton, from Canley, Coventry, said she had posted an appeal for help on social media when her one-year-old cat Gingernut went missing.

Two weeks later, her older cat Clyde also did not return home.

Ms Singleton was then told a dead cat had been seen in a pond at an empty property in Howcotte Green. She ended up trawling the water and finding the remains of about 16 cats, some of which were just skulls.

She explained to the BBC that the fish pond was not "your average garden pond" and was about 20ft (6m) by 10ft (3m) and 6ft deep.

The RSPCA is leading an investigation supported by West Midlands Police and said it was "very concerned".

It said it was making inquiries in the area and appealed for people to help with its investigation.

A spokesperson added: "We're very concerned about the discovery of deceased cats and our thoughts are with the owners,.

"We're investigating and are asking anyone with evidence or information to contact us on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01804675."

West Midlands Police said in a statement: "We were called to a vacant property in Howcotte Green, Coventry, earlier this week after the remains of a number of cats were found.

"We are working with partners including Coventry City Council and the RSPCA, who are leading the investigation."