Connor Creaghan

Cats have been killed by poison and their fur shaved in Horncastle, prompting a police investigation.

Horncastle Police warned people in the Thimbleby area to be extra vigilant with their animals as a result.

Two of the cats who recently died were poisoned and police said it has been extremely distressing for the owners.

Eve Johnston owns all three of the cats targeted and said that they are “pretty devastated” by the news.

Pixie had her tail shaved.

The two cats that died at the end of February were called Sherlock and Watson while the third cat, Pixie, was shaved this weekend.

A spokesperson for the police said: “We are sad to have to warn pet owners in the Thimbleby area to be extra vigilant with their animals.

“The cat in the first two photos has damage to her tail. It appears to have been shaved and we are unsure if this is deliberate or accidental.

“The other two cats shown recently passed due to ingestion of poison. This has been extremely distressing for their owners.

“If you use poison to control vermin please be mindful of potential danger to other animals and use with caution.”

Anyone who sees suspicious activity in Horncastle has been urged to call 101.

Armed officers and a police helicopter were deployed to Gainsborough after a group of teenagers, reportedly with weapons, committed racially aggravated, violent and sexual assaults overnight.

Four teenagers are in custody after allegedly carrying out the assaults.

Lincolnshire Police attended reports of incidents involving teenagers at the skate park, Heapham Road, Tennyson Street, Tower Street, Carlisle Street and North Street.

All of the reports were sent to the police on the evening of Tuesday, March 10.

The teenagers, who are aged 15, 16, 16 and 18, are all from the town and were also arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an imitation firearm.

Police are also investigating reports that a machete and a firearm were used.

An ambulance took a woman to the hospital with an injury to her face, but the police have not revealed how serious the injuries are.

The force deployed local officers, a dog handler, a firearms officer and police helicopter.