PATROLS are going to be stepped up around a graveyard where the mutilated body of a cat was found on Sunday morning.

Edgware Safer Neighbourhood Team say they will be more vigilant around St Margaret's Church in Station Road, where the body of Coco, a long-haired black cat, was found on a grave.

His heart and other internal organs had been removed, although there was no blood at the site or on his fur.

A bowl full of ham and water had also been left in the same churchyard, which the church administrator said was not supposed to be there.

The skeleton of another cat was also found in the same graveyard earlier this year.

An RSPCA official called to investigate the incident when it was reported to police put it down as a road accident, although there were no obvious injuries to the treasured family pet.

Police say they are keeping an open mind as to what happened, but confirmed they would like to speak to the people responsible.