Police investigate 'worrying' number of missing cats around Chorley and Clayton Brook

An investigation into the disappearance of a growing number of cats has been launched in the Chorley and Clayton Brook areas, say police.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The worrying trend has come to the attention of police after the force said it had received an unusually high number of reports concerning missing cats in recent weeks.

Police said the startling number of recent disappearances might "just be a coincidence", but added that it is "actively looking into the matter".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The growing number of cats going missing has reignited local fears that people's pets are being targeted by someone with malicious intent.

Police in Chorley are investigating the disappearance of a 'worrying' number of cats in the area in recent weeks. Pic: Lancashire PolicePolice in Chorley are investigating the disappearance of a 'worrying' number of cats in the area in recent weeks. Pic: Lancashire Police
Police in Chorley are investigating the disappearance of a 'worrying' number of cats in the area in recent weeks. Pic: Lancashire Police

In a number of social media posts responding to pet owners' concerns, Chorley Police said it could not confirm at this stage whether the cats have been stolen, killed or are simply still missing.

But the force did allude to the possibility that something sinister might be happening, as it urged owners to "stay vigilant".

It said: "Dear Chorley, lately we have seen a worrying increase in cats going missing. We cannot confirm whether they have been stolen, although this seems to be an increasing trend across the county.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are currently looking at another reported incident where three cats have also gone missing from the Cowling Brow area in the last six months.

"It may be just a coincidence but we are actively looking into this matter. If you own any cats please stay vigilant."

It then added: "About two years ago we had a spate of cats being killed with air rifles in the Clayton Brook area. We never got to the bottom of it."

The social media post led to even more people coming forward with reports of missing cats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The areas where cats are reported to have recently disappeared include Walgath Drive, Cowling Brow, Eaves Lane and Haworth Road in Chorley, as well as Countess Way, Euxton and a number of streets in Clayton Brook.

Marcella Calderbank, whose cat Freddie went missing in Walgarth Drive, has welcomed the police investigation.

She said: "Please, please if anyone has any information do contact Sgt Harrison at Chorley Police. The not knowing is horrible and if our pets are being stolen, for whatever reason, it needs to stop.

"Do please speak up if you know who could be doing this. Freddie is a much loved pet and poor Oliver is a therapy cat, whose owners' health is deteriorating due to his absence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Freddie would never just go to someone, he's very timid around strangers, so it is unlike him. It's just strange there are now three black cats missing.

"Let's get these pets home or give their owners closure."