THE cruel killers of a four-month-old kitten have not yet been caught – but the net could be closing in.Police have still not given up on their search for the people who tortured Sooty, the cute black kitten, leaving him with a burned face and a punctured lung.

By Jessica Nicholls

THE cruel killers of a four-month-old kitten have not yet been caught – but the net could be closing in.

Police have still not given up on their search for the people who tortured Sooty, the cute black kitten, leaving him with a burned face and a punctured lung.

And the Evening Star's reward of £500 to catch and convict the killers has been boosted by sickened readers who have pledged money, taking the total so far to £700.

Posters have been put up to jog people's memories of the horrific attack and CCTV images are also being checked.

It is thought that the kitten was attacked in the doorway of Gainsborough Sports Centre around the time of November 13.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that CCTV cameras from the sports centre were being checked in connection with the attack.

Sooty's devastated owner, 21-year-old Terri Anderson from Bonnington Road was desperate to find the people who did this as well as a passer-by, who apparently saw a group of youths tormenting

a cat and tried to stop them.

She wanted to thank this person who tried to save Sooty but no-one has come forward.

The kitten, which Miss Anderso watched being born, disappeared on the afternoon of November 13.

It was not until several days later that she found out someone had picked up Sooty and taken him to the vets. But his injuries were so horrific that he could not be saved.

The plight of Miss Anderson and her three-year-old daughter, Charlotte, touched the heart of Great Finborough man, Graham Hart, who travelled to Ipswich to give her a stray kitten he had been looking after on his farm.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.