A resident from Stanford-le-Hope is concerned there is a cat burglar on the loose after two felines went missing in the same week.

Linda Hampton, of Weelkes Close, has been looking for her cat, James, since he went missing on Thursday, July 29, from her home.

However, as she was putting up some posters appealing for help, she came across another missing moggy.

Black cat Hamlet went missing in the same week and was last seen in nearby Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

Linda said: "I was shocked at the similarity of the two cats, as they are both black and went missing in the same week, very close to each other. It makes me worried that there is someone going around taking these cats.

"If there is someone going around taking them, I want to warn owners to keep an eye on their pets."

James is 15 months old and has long black fur with a bushy tail. Hamlet has short black hair and was wearing a collar.

If you have seen either cat, please contact the owners. If you have seen James, call 01375 641206, for Hamlet, call 01375 640310.

Published Wednesday August 11, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

Brought to you by the Evening Echo