A warning has been issued to residents in a Lincolnshire village after a number of cats had patches of fur shaved off. Lincolnshire Police is receiving reports of cats returning to their homes in Pinchbeck, near Spalding with some of their fur missing, with a similar incident also reported in Kirton, near Boston.

The cats do not appear to be physically harmed and the shaven area appears to be small and caused by some form of hair clippers. It is not clear who is doing this or what the motivation is.

If anyone finds that something has happened to their cat, they should report it to the police immediately. An update was shared by South Holland Police to its Facebook page on Sunday, February 9. It states: "It has been brought to the attention of the Local Policing Team that some cats have been returning to owners addresses in the morning with parts of their fur having been shaven off.

"This appears to be in the Pinchbeck area. There has also been a case of this in Kirton near Boston. The motivation behind this is not known. The cats do not appear physically harmed and the shaven area appears to be small and caused by some form of hair clippers."

It continued: "Whilst not appearing physically harmed this behaviour will cause the cats anxiety and will have a lasting impact beyond the simple physical act." Regarding the incident, Inspector Matt Dickinson said "This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Whatever the motivation behind this it is not something that should be taking place.

"The cats in question are someone's pet, part of their family and not only will these actions cause anxiety to the animal they also cause worry to their owners. Anyone who is evidenced to be responsible for doing this will have robust action taken against them and where necessary be prosecuted for any criminal offences identified.

"This is not a bit of fun and needs to stop now".