A SERIAL cat killer may be on the loose in Worcester, say bereaved pet owners.

Three cats died within hours of each other as a result of suspected anti-freeze poisoning in Blackpole, Worcester, and now pet owners are concerned they may have been poisoned on purpose.

Michelle Daniels, aged 32, from Ship Wright's Close, Blackpole, was devastated when her cat Tigger died on Wednesday as a result of suspected anti-freeze poisoning.

She lives yards from Turners Close, Blackpole where Stacey Fisk lived with her two cats - Pusscat and Shorty - who died the day before.

The Worcester News reported on Tuesday how both died within 12 hours of each other.

All three cats died at Ambleside Veterinary Clinic, Tolladine Road, Worcester, after displaying similar symptoms. They became limp and lethargic and their app-etites dropped.

Before Tigger died he became unable to stand or walk and blood-filled saliva dripped from his mouth - he even crawled into the tumble drier to hide as he became increasingly ill.

Mrs Daniels said the death had left her and her two-year-old daughter Abigail distraught - the cat was her Christmas present. Mrs Daniels said: "It seems strange that three cats in the same area have died of suspected anti-freeze poisoning. I'm concerned that someone may be doing this deliberately. I can't say it was an accident. Perhaps someone has put anti-freeze in their garden to keep cats out. I know a lot of people don't like cats in the garden. I understand that but there are safe ways to keep them out - my neighbour has a sonic alarm. It scares them but it doesn't kill them."

Natasha Gillett, aged 36, owner of Shorty, said: "This has got out of hand now - that's three. We thought it was just an accident. I'm still unsure whether or not it's deliberate but it's strange another cat should die at the same time."

A spokesman for the Ambleside clinic said as a post-mortem had been refused, no definite cause of death could be given.