A cat that was killed in South Oxhey is believed to be a victim of the M25 cat killer.

Two-year-old Chewy’s dismembered body was found in Oxhey Woods by a dog walker, on January 31.

The moggy had been missing for two weeks and it’s feared that he was killed by the infamous M25 cat killer, who is believed to have mutilated around 200 cats since 2014.

Tony Jenkins, co-founder of charity South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), confirmed that Chewy had been killed by a human and with the same weapon that the cat killer uses.

Since late 2015, SNARL has been chasing what appears to be one of the most prolific domestic animal killers ever recorded.

Mr Jenkins said: “Considering that two cats have never been killed in the same day, we believe these killings are all being carried out by the same person.

“While we can’t say for sure that it’s the same person, it seems very likely.

“I urge pet owners to keep their animals inside, if possible, and use all precautionary measures. Make sure your pet is chipped and keep them inside overnight, which is when the killings take place.”

Dawn Lewis, who runs a local lost and found animals Facebook page, collected Chewy after he was found in the woods.

She said: “When I received the call, I felt sick, in all honesty. When I went to find Chewy, I just knew I had to call SNARL straight away.

“I’ll never forget what I saw and I felt so helpless. Finding his body made me sad and angry at the same time. Just how can someone do this to an animal?

"My thoughts are with his owners.”

The day after Chewy’s death, another cat was found with identical injuries, 60 miles away in Strood.

Hertfordshire Police said that all lines of enquiry have been exhausted, but if further information comes to light, officers will investigate.

The killer first struck in Croydon in London in 2014, but similar murders have taken place in nearby Kingston, Guildford, and Richmond.

Dismembered cats have also been found in Finchley and Tottenham in north London – fuelling speculation the killer was targeting new areas.

But dead cats found in Coventry, and Cinderford in Gloucestershire, have added to rumours that the cat killer is moving its way across the country or copycat killers are also on the loose.

A reward of £10,000 for information leading to the killer’s arrest and conviction is being offered by animal charities People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) and Outpaced.

Anyone with information should call Hertfordshire Constabulary on 101 and contact SNARL on 07961 030 064.

Chewy's owners did not want to comment.