Two cats were found dead inside a car park and vets believe they were cruelly beaten.

The animals were discovered at Lindisfarne Court in Lacey Drive, Edgware, on August 12 by binmen.

The bodies were found side-by-side in the bike storage area of the basement car park of the residential building.

The RSPCA says the tabby kitten had a broken leg and jaw while both had multiple broken ribs.

They are both feared to have been kept in the basement for some time because there was faeces all over the floor.

Times Series: The cats were discovered inside Lindisfarne Court. Image: RSPCAThe cats were discovered inside Lindisfarne Court. Image: RSPCA

A number of blood stains were found on the walls and floor, along with a worn cat-scratching post.

There were also several used balloons found alongside a nitrous gas canister, suggesting that people have been using the area.

RSPCA inspector David Waite said: “This was a really upsetting discovery, and I am very concerned about what may have happened to these cats before their death.

“It appears somebody has been down there with them and ‘owned’ them, as both cats had plastic claw covers fixed onto their paws, which can be bought in pet shops or from groomers to prevent cats from scratching.

“What is most disturbing is what vets discovered during a post-mortem examination. The tabby kitten had suffered a fractured leg and a broken jaw, and both cats suffered multiple broken ribs. The adult black and white cat was underweight.

“The vet has stated findings indicate severe trauma and that foul play is strongly suspected.”

He added: “I am really keen to hear from anyone with information as soon as possible. The car park is underneath a large apartment building, and usually the basement area can only be accessed using a key fob, so I am very hopeful that people may have some vital information that might help me investigate.

“Anyone with information can contact me in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.”

Between 2016 and 2021, there were 16,212 incidents of deliberate cruelty towards cats reported to the animal welfare charity which equals a staggering seven cats a day suffering at the hands of humans.