The savage mutilation of a St Albans cat is believed to be the work of the infamous M25 animal killer.

Jack, an elderly, friendly house cat, went missing from his St Albans home on the evening of Tuesday, May 16, his owner quickly organised a search party.

The next day a neighbour reported having found a decapitated body of a cat matching Jack’s description in her garden.

Jack’s owner, who has asked not to be named, said: “That’s an image I will never forget.

“I honestly feel numb, I am completely and utterly heartbroken because he was part of my family.

“I don’t know what to do with myself, people don’t know what to say to me.”

Initially she was told it was the work of a fox, but since then it has become clear the cuts were made cleanly with a bladed instrument.

The savage attack has been attributed to the M25 Animal Killer, formerly known as the Croydon Cat Killer.

Similar deaths of more than 250 cats, 40 foxes, and some rabbits have been recorded by South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), who pushed for a police investigation into the mutilations.

Operation Takahe was launched in 2015 to track down the killer - who targets small animals by killing them with brute force, before cutting off heads, tails, heads and tails, front paws, or back legs, and displays the body parts where they will be found.

Co-founder of SNARL, Tony Jenkins, said he believes the attacker could be a danger to humans, suggesting there is a connection between notable serial killers and animal deaths.

He said: “He’s travelling quite extensively, and it seems like wherever he goes he kills a cat and puts it out on display for people to find.

“It’s definitely a crime against humans because of the way they’re found, around schools and playgrounds, sometimes left on the pavement, left in places where it’s designed to cause massive amounts of suffering and pain and distress, often for the owner.

“When people wake up in the morning, open their curtains, look down, and see a cat without a tail or head looking up at them, there can’t be anything more horrific than that.”

He believes the killer is a psychopath with sociopathic tendencies, and a potential danger to humans.

Animals killed in his signature style have been found all over the country, including Brighton, Coventry, and London.

Jack’s owner said she has been inundated with flowers and cards from well-wishers, but is so traumatised she never wants another pet.

Herts Police are investigating the incident, and a spokesman said: “The animal, which had been decapitated by offender(s), was taken to a local veterinary practice and its owner is aware.

“Officers are now conducting enquiries into the incident, which happened between 9pm on Tuesday, May 16 and 9.30pm on Wednesday, May 17.” Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.