CAT owners are worried a killer may have struck again in a village where nine pets have been deliberately poisoned in the past.

Two more cats have disappeared from one street and the feeling is that they have become the latest victims of a mysterious pet-hater.

Pauline Bell, owner of all nine cats that died previously over a five-year period, has now lost a tabby called Tom.

The other cat to go missing is Kitty, a black and white 11-year-old belonging to Angela Watson, who, like Mrs Bell, lives in The Fallows, Cockfield, County Durham.

Mrs Watson said: "Kitty never wandered more than a few yards from our door, but a couple of nights ago she vanished within minutes.

"I've been all over the village calling her but there is no trace. I know in my heart she must be dead and I'm certain the poisoner has struck again.

"I can't sleep for worrying about what has happened."

She and husband Vince have six other cats, which they are keeping them in the house or standing guard when they go outside.

PC Brendan Coll said: "As two more have gone, there must be a chance that poison has been used again

"As there is no evidence as yet, this is being treated as a case of missing cats but inquiries are being made."

Mrs Bell had two cats poisoned five years ago, and others died at various times until the last two were found dead in March last year.

The RSPCA carried out tests and found most of the bodies had traces of Aldicarp, a poison used on slugs.

It appeared to have been mixed with potato and carrot and put out for the cats to eat.

Ms Bell said: "I'm heartbroken. After all the sorrow I've been through in the past, it is dreadful to lose another cat. I'm sure the poisoner must be at work again. It will be awful if this sick person causes any more heartache for cat owners in our village."