Police are trying to trace two teenagers seen near where the “mutilated” remains of two kittens were found in west London.
The Met police were tipped off on 3 May after reported sightings of a male and female teenager allegedly dismembering the animals at Ickenham Road in Ruislip.
Sgt Babs Rock said CCTV footage of the teenagers running from the scene has been released so the suspects can be identified and be interviewed by police.
“This is an incredibly distressing incident which I know has caused concern in the local community,” said Rock.
The male is described by police as 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, with short dark hair, while the female is described as the same height but with long red hair.
The boy was believed to be wearing a dark jacket with long sleeves, with blue jeans, and the girl was said to be wearing a white top with black shorts while carrying a purple jumper – which she later put on.
According to police, the boy was also seen carrying a black holdall, which “sadly is thought to have contained the kittens”.
Rock said: “If you know these two individuals, then please come forward to us, we would like to speak with them as soon as possible.”
The Met said there have been other attacks on animals in the area, including on swans and ducks targeted by catapults. However, these are believed to be separate from the kittens incident.
Police have written to parents via local schools to raise awareness about animal cruelty and to ask parents to speak to their children about these incidents.
Anyone with information or footage from dashcams is urged to telephone 101, quoting CAD3355/03MAY, or report what they know anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: theguardian.com
