More than £3000 has been raised to erect a memorial to a beloved cat that was savagely beaten to death.

Missy, who was known as the 'Bus Stop Cat', frequented the stop in Dunsbury Way, Havant, daily.

The friendly feline was loved by many in the Hampshire town, but over the weekend she was so severely injured that she had to be put to sleep.

Her owners say she was kicked to death by a group of thugs who "used her as football," but vets believe she may have been the victim of a road accident.

Although it is unclear how exactly she sustained her injuries, Missy was left with a broken jaw and fractured skull, which she could not recovered from.

Tributes have since poured in for the 13-year-old ginger puss.

Taking to Twitter, Meg wrote: "Actually had tears in my eyes reading this, Actually disgusted in people!!, Poor wee cat."

And another Twitter user said: I'm more sad about the Leigh Park bus stop cat than I have been about anything in forever."

While another wrote: "I don't know if I can handle not seeing the bus stop cat on the way to college today, he used to make my morning every day."

Idk if I can handle not seeing the bus stop cat on the way to college today, he used to make my morning every day omg — ‏‏ ‏ ‏ (@kxtepexrce) February 1, 2016

The Cat that used to sit at The park parade bus stop has died, literally broke my heart ngl — Charlotte Smith (@Charlotte_951) February 1, 2016

I'm more sad about the Leigh Park bus stop cat than I have been about anything in forever — don't @ me (@oakleycheung) January 31, 2016

A JustGiving page has been set up to erect a permanent memorial to the much-loved Moggy, with any leftover money due to be donated to animal charities.

Craig Cockram, who set the page up, said: ‘We would like to raise as much money as possible for a reward and a plaque for the 39 bus stop cat.

‘This poor cat which was loved by many who just sat on a seat on the 39 stop in Dunsbury Way in Leigh Park.

‘It loved to be stroked and have the attention it liked and was the most trusting cat. For a few years it would just come along and sit and wait."

A Hampshire Police spokeswoman said: "We received a report of criminal damage on January 30.

"This related to a cat which had sustained injuries consistent with an attack. The cat was subsequently put to sleep.

"It is believed the incident took place between January 28 and January 29.

"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 44160045690."