The hunt for a possible animal serial killer stalking the streets of south London has been stepped up after it emerged up to 30 animals may have died.

Local pet owners around Croydon have been reporting vicious killings of cats, with many being dismembered and decapitated, for almost two years.

Recent deaths of two puppies and a rabbit are also thought to have been linked to the same individual, or group of individuals, responsible for the vicious crimes.

Animal rights charity PETA has offered £5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator, and a host of celebrities have been joining the hunt on social media, sharing the reward with their millions of followers.

Caroline Flack, Dermot O'Leary and You Me At Six's Josh Franceshi have alerted more than four million Twitter followers to PETA's reward.

The Vamps’ lead guitarist, James McVey, is offering free tour tickets to anyone who can help find the maniac.

Peta have advised pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals - and even keep them inside - until 'the Croydon cat ripper' has been caught.

It’s imperative that any community faced with such sadistic and violent acts take measures to find the culprit and bring him or her to justice. PETA

Police said they are currently investigating the killings.