A PET killer is believed to be targetting beloved animals in Sussex.

A group investigating the activities of a suspected serial cat killer believe the killer has struck three times since the beginning of the month. A respected animal welfare group, South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl) have been investigating the so-called “Croydon Cat Killer” since October 2015.

The Croydon Cat Killer, or M25 Cat Killer, was given the name after dozens of dead cats were left dismembered (and sometimes decapitated) in a series of seemingly linked attacks in 2014.

Since then, the suspected killer has been linked to the killing of more than 450 animals across England. On June 10 a family in Saltdean found their beloved family rabbit, Simba, dead in their garden

The previous evening, his family had put him in a latched hutch but when he was discovered, Simba’s lifeless body was outside his enclosure with his tail cut off.

The family have told The Argus: “We were horrified and heartbroken when we found out what happened to him”

“We can’t understand how anyone can be so barbaric” They added.

A week later a cat owner in Uckfield received a call from her neighbours, informing her they had discovered her cherished cat, Boo. The cat’s body was lifeless, tailless, and with other injuries The Argus has chosen not to reveal.

Heartbroken Gill Evans said: “She will be missed, she was a lovely, gentle cat. It’s horrible she’s been wiped out just like that. What a coward the person who does this is, skulking about in the shadows, killing pets who have been taught to believe humans are friends.”

These incidents follow a suspected June 5 attack on a fox with similar details.

The Snarl group has “no doubt” the incidents are related and believe it is the activities of the suspected serial killer.

The group assess each situation according to a set of criteria to determine whether the incidents are linked to their investigations, ruling out accidents and building the case through hallmarks associated with the killer.

Residents and SNARL organisers have been delivering leaflets to homes in Brighton in a one mile radius around the suspected attacks.

Earlier this month, a ten-month-old kitten named Jem had an airgun pellet removed from her leg after being shot near Dallington Road, Hove. This is not thought to be related to the other incidents.