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The cat killer linked to more than 250 slayings is believed to be targeting wild deer, after a head and a hoof were found.

An animal charity probing the deaths said the attack bore all of the sick hallmarks as the killer often decapitates the animals and is thought to keep body parts as trophies.

Boudicca Rising, of South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty, said: “After consultation with police, we have ruled the deer’s head and paw into the Takahe investigation.

(Image: SWNS)

“The body parts had signature wounds.”

The remains were handed to specialist Met Police team Operation Takahe after being found in Warl­ingham, Surrey, on Sunday.

Ms Rising said they “scored high” for the killer’s trademark injuries, and police agreed the deer was one of his victims.

(Image: BPM Media)

He has recently slaughtered rabbits and foxes, too, often beheading them. SNARL, leading the hunt with police, has nearly 200 bodies in deep freeze in the hope any DNA may help secure a conviction.

The killer has struck mostly in the South East, beginning in Croydon, South London, in 2014 before extending around the 117-mile M25 motorway.

(Image: Alamy)

Some reports have been as far afield as Manchester and the Isle of Wight, prompting speculation he may be a travelling salesman.

Psychological profiler Pippa Gregory feared he may “turn his attention to humans” once “bored of killing animals”.

She told the BBC last month: “This is not your average animal abuse.”

A £10,000 reward is on offer for the killer’s capture.