Intruders at an isolated property in Colwall used a step-ladder and orange string to hang the owner's pet cat from a tree.

The animal, a tortoiseshell, was later discovered dead by its owner.

Ledbury police, who have not revealed the identity of the grieving pet owner, have carried out enquiries around Colwall to discover whether anyone bore a grudge towards the cat.

But Sergeant Bob Wilson said: "I tried to discover whether the cat had somehow made a nuisance of itself, but this was just a normal, friendly pet cat.

"What can you say? Words fail me. It is so sickening. I want anyone who knows anything about this to get in touch."

The cat is believed to have been the companion of a man who lived alone.

The incident took place between 6.15pm and 6.30pm on Friday (April 7).