A CAT-loving family fear a 'catnapper' is on the loose in Worcester after two of their pets have gone missing in the space of eight weeks.

Karen and Ian Turner, of Essex Close, Dines Green, and children Leanne and Joseph were upset after their 12-year-old tabby Lucy disappeared eight weeks ago.

Then, to compound their misery, they returned from holiday about a week ago to find one of their other cats - two-year-old Polly - had also vanished.

Their next-door neighbour last saw Polly on the morning of Sunday, October 30, as she has been looking after her while the Turners were away, but the friendly cat has not been seen since.

Mrs Turner said the family had looked everywhere for their pets - including nearby vets and asking neighbours - but neither of them have been found.

Now she said they believe they have been stolen as a neighbour told her a friend of hers had also had two cats go missing from their home recently in nearby Penhill Crescent.

They are keeping a close eye on their two other cats - Daisy and Humphrey - for fear they may go missing too.

Mrs Turner said: "It's strange because the two that have gone missing are the friendlier of the two - we're absolutely devastated because they're both such lovely cats.

"Polly loves the children and always used to sit outside on the garden fence."

Polly is described as having dark brown fur with ginger bits in it and has a silver reflector collar, while Lucy is a brown tabby with white feet and white chest.

Anyone who might know of their whereabouts is asked to call the Turners on 01905 338216.

A spokesman for Worcester police said there was no record of the matter being reported to them.