A cat owner had to watch video footage of his pet being ripped apart by three wild dogs on a housing estate.

Residents on the Medway Gate estate in Strood have made frantic calls to the police following a series of attacks that are said to have claimed the lives of seven cats.

The latest was caught on a CCTV camera and shows three dogs that bear unusual markings stalking down Empire Road, Strood, before launching an assault on a small black cat.

The dogs, circled, are seen running away with one holding the cat

The playful pet, which liked to curl up in its owner's sink, was pounced on by the dogs who played tug-of-war with the lifeless body.

Footage shows them moving past houses in single file before crossing the street - where they find their unsuspecting victim.

After a brutal attack - obscured by a parked car - CCTV captures them running off, with one of them holding the cat in its mouth.

Mother-of-five Amanda Tye, 32, whose husband Rik, 36, was the owner of the cat, said: "Coco was a one in a million cat who we'll miss so much.

"They (the dogs) may well go for a child if they are hungry enough – they pose a big threat.

"I've had my eldest driving me loopy asking if he can go outside and I have to say that he can't. The only way he's allowed out is if I can see him."

Scroll down for video. Warning: Some people might find footage disturbing

Two of the dogs can be seen passing in front of a CCTV camera

Owner Rik Tye with Coco the cat

Coco the cat had a special bond with Amanda’s son Kyal

Both Mrs Tye's sons Rhys, 13, and eight-year-old Kyal have autism and Coco the cat was especially close to Kyal.

After the incident, alarmed residents called Medway Council to ask that a dog warden be sent out. Further calls have since been made to the police.

A council spokesman said: "Following reports of this incident community wardens went out on Sunday and twice on Monday to look for the dogs seen in the video.

"They were unable to locate the dogs or their owner(s)."

Video: The moment a pack of dogs attacked a cat in Strood

Anyone with information about the dogs is asked to phone the council's environmental services team on 01634 333333.

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