Pet owners in Biddulph have been asked to be vigilant after a local residents' cat came home with a length of wire "pulled tight" around its neck.

Biddulph resident Martin Cockill warned residents after he found his cat caught up in the wire after it came home today (Thursday, 7th October).

He told residents to be aware of a potential "evil animal hater" in the area, especially any residents who may have pet cats.

He said: "My cat came home with this plastic coated wire around his neck today.

"It was pulled tight where he had tried to free himself.

"Please, please, please everyone be vigilant as someone is obviously targeting cats.

"This can only be an evil animal hater who lives in the area.

"My little boy doesn't venture further than Dove Grove, Dart Close or Medway off Pennine Way."

It is not the first time that animals have been targeted in Biddulph. Nub News reported back in July how police appealed for information after meat laced with rat poison was left at a local beauty spot on multiple occasions.

Chicken laced with what appeared to be rat poison pellets was found by volunteers who look after Newpool Meadows Village Green in Knypersley.

And in March, what appeared to be shards of glass coated in chocolate was left at a local park.