Serial poisoner suspected as eight cats die in Essex

A poisoner is believed to have used anti-freeze to kill at least eight cats in part of an Essex village.

A further two cats are missing feared dead in the Saxon Close area of Runwell, near Wickford.

Cats and dogs like the sweet taste of anti-freeze, which contains glycol that attacks the kidneys.

Three of the poisoned cats belonged to Terry Lewis, 30, who said the impact of their deaths was "devastating". Phoebe was killed in October 2009, Paige a year later and Leo this month. Mr Lewis, a bank project manager, has spent more than £10,000 on veterinary bills and £3,000 on security guards to watch his warning posters, many of which were torn down.

A police community support officer has made house to house enquiries, but Mr Lewis said: "We want to see a proper murder inquiry. This person is dangerous - if they can do that to a cat, why not to a human being."

Five other local cats have died from glycol poisoning and Richard and Carol Howarth, who live in nearby Egbert Gardens, said their cats, Roo and brother Tigger, have gone missing since December.

The Howarths have offered a £150 reward and posted 1,500 leaflets around the area. They have also spent £800 on secure fencing to protect their new kitten, Milo.

Mrs Howarth said: "When our cats went missing we were told about the poisonings we think our cats might have fallen victim to the same poisoner."