VILLAGERS fear that a cat poisoner has struck again, after a tenth cat had to be put down.

As reported in The Northern Echo last week, Angela Watson's cat, Kitty, disappeared from her home in The Fallows, Cockfield, County Durham, and police suspected it was another case of poisoning.

The black and white cat was found in a very weak condition on Sunday a few minutes' walk from the house, by a neighbour, 15-year-old Natalie Pemberthy.

Mrs Watson, 47, took the 11-year-old cat to a vet, who decided Kitty was in such a poor state that she had to be put down.

Yesterday, Mrs Watson said: "The vet said she had been badly poisoned. I thought all along that the poisoner had struck again, but it was terrible to have it confirmed.

"Any person who does this to pets must be really sick. I have six other cats and dare not let them out for the time being in case the same thing happens. All the local pet owners are worried."

Another cat belonging to Pauline Bell, also of The Fallows, Cockfield, vanished at the same time last week.

Mrs Bell was the owner of nine cats which have been poisoned over the past five years.

She said Kitty's death confirmed her fears that the poisoner is in action again, and feels that her cat has probably become another victim.

Police are investigating the death, and anyone with information is asked to call PC Brendan Coll on (01833) 637328.