AN animal lover is appealing for anyone who has lost a pet cat in mysterious circumstances to contact her.

Maureen Bradley, of Hazel Grove, Farnworth, is hoping to gather together a group of residents in order to voice their joint concerns to the RSPCA.

Cat owners from Farnworth and Horwich fear their pets are being snatched from the streets by gangs who sell them. But RSPCA officials say evidence is needed.

Mrs Bradley, aged 39, said: "Once we get an idea of how many people this involves we are going to get a group together to see what we can do. We all think there is something funny going on and we are hoping to spur the RSPCA into action."

Residents claim five cats have gone missing in Farnworth in the space of a month and Horwich homeowners say they are experiencing similar problems.

All the cats are described as "homely" and have been wearing identification tags or collars.

For details contact Mrs Bradley on 01204 411866 or call 07939 834621.