Catnap suspect named to police

Police were today investigating a new lead in the mystery disappearance of 47 cats from the same Black Country neighbourhood.

The name of a man suspected of the catnappings in Wollaston, Stourbridge, has been handed to police by residents.

Since 2001, dozens of pet cats have gone missing in and around Meriden Avenue and Vicarage Road, leading to the area being dubbed the Purr-muda Triangle.

Cats are no longer rehomed in the area.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Helen Thom-pson today confirmed a tip-off had been received in relation to the catnappings.

Meriden Avenue resident Julie Wootton's 15-year-old cat Norman went missing in May last year.

She is one of several residents in the village who formed an action group to gather information about the missing animals.

The action group contacted police yesterday with the name of a man they think is responsible.

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA on 0870 555 5999.