Police are trying to trace two teenagers seen near where the “mutilated” remains of two kittens were found in west London.
The Met police said in a statement they received a report from a member of the public on 3 May alleging that two teenagers had dismembered two kittens at Ickenham Road in Ruislip.
Police said that they had immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances and urgent enquiries have been carried out since the first report, but no arrests have been possible so far.
Sgt Babs Rock said CCTV footage of the pair running from the scene had been released so the individuals could be identified and interviewed by police. “This is an incredibly distressing incident, which I know has caused concern in the local community,” Rock said.
The male is described by police as 5ft 6in (168cm) with short dark hair, while the female is the same height with long red hair.
The male was believed to be wearing a dark jacket with long sleeves and blue jeans; the female was said to be wearing a white top with black shorts and carrying a purple jumper – which she later put on.
According to police, the male 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 had been other attacks on animals in the area, including on swans and ducks targeted by catapults. However, these were 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.
