Three arrested over severed cat tail in Hull

Max, an eight-year-old rescue tabby, disappeared from Appleton Road, Hull, on 14 September after being put out around noon. Missing posters went up the next evening. On 18 September Lisa found his severed tail in the letterbox. Louise said: "I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget." Max's remains were found in nearby woodland by a dog walker six days after he vanished. The tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic analysis. A 37-year-old woman, a 47-year-old man and a 75-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of offences including malicious communications and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. The 47-year-old was also suspected of assault and criminal damage; the 75-year-old of witness intimidation and harassment. All three remained in police custody. Insp Lucy Kevan said enquiries included CCTV, forensic analysis and house-to-house visits, and that police believe this to be an isolated incident between people known to each other. More than 100 mourners attended a candlelit vigil outside the couple's flat near Max's favourite tree, with yellow ribbons tied to branches; one person travelled from Birmingham. Lisa and Louise, together for nine years and moved in in July, cancelled their wedding pub celebration and buffet.