THE owners of a rescue cat that was killed is urging anyone with information to help police find the culprits.

Helen and Peter Hammond's cat, Holly, was found dead in the road near their home in Bolam, near Heighington, by a neighbour.

Holly, also known as Tiddly because she was a tiny kitten when the couple rescued her nearly two years ago, went missing on Friday night.

Mrs Hammond searched the village and asked neighbours to check their garages in case the tabby was trapped.

On Monday morning a neighbour was driving to work when the grim discovery was made.

Mrs Hammond said: "She had been purposely killed and left on the road as if the killer wanted to show off what they had done.

"I really hope anyone who knows who did this contacts the police to prevent it happening again and stop these people before they do it again or something even worse."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the crime-desk at Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.