Swadlincote Police are in a joint investigation with the RSPCA after reports last week of cats being poisoned with anti-freeze on Patina Way.

It was thought the animals were deliberately poisoned with anti-freeze in the Swadlincote street.

But there are also reports of an abandoned car in the same area.

Now Swadlincote's Safer Neighbourhood Team say investigations are ongoing.

Sergeant Tarj Nizzer, who is in charge of Safer Neighbourhood policing in South Derbyshire said "As soon as we received multiple reports of cats having died as a result of ingesting anti-freeze we started helping the RSPCA with their investigations.

"There could be a number of ways that the cats could have accessed the anti-freeze, including reports that an abandoned car was recovered in the area.

"However, we are keeping an open mind and won't hesitate to support the RSPCA in gathering evidence for a prosecution, if it turns out that they have been deliberately poisoned."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 20*338808 in any correspondence:

• Facebook – send a private message to this page

• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact

* Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

• Phone – call on 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the Crimestoppers website