Mystery after ginger or ginger and white cats found dead in River Stort near The Maltings, Sawbridgeworth

Mystery surrounds the discovery of three dead cats in the River Stort at Sawbridgeworth in the space of two days.

First, a ginger and white cat was found near The Maltings on Monday January 6. Cat rescuers say it had been abandoned by its owner and local people had been feeding it.

The following day (Tuesday Jan 7) a ginger moggy was found in the water after its owner reported it missing, and later on another ginger one was found.

In a post on Facebook, cat rescuer Susan Lewis Hall said that businesses in the area would be asked to check their CCTV footage for any clues. Canal boat owners have been contacted to see if they can shed any light on the mystery.

“We need to find out what on earth is going on with these poor cats,” said Susan. “Any information, please message me in strict confidence.”

The RSPCA and police have been informed.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We are aware of this very distressing incident and we’d urge anyone with further first-hand information to contact our cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”

Susan urged people who had a cat that they no longer wanted to contact rescue centres such as Toe Beans Cat Rescue near Saffron Walden.