A police investigation is under way after as many as seven cats on one housing estate have died from suspected poisoning.

Between five and seven cats have passed away and several have fallen ill this month on the Alder View development in Harwell near Didcot.

Tanya Clifton, who has lost two pets and has a third who is ill, said: "We’ve been trying to get help for two weeks now since the first deaths of mine and one of my neighbour's cats.

"My cat, Gingie, was rushed in to the vet on November 8 and passed away the next day.

Kitty fell ill and died on November 20 - 10 days after Gingie (Image: Tanya Clifton) "My second cat, Kitty, died on November 20, and both cats had gone into kidney failure.

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"Gingie was at the vet's at the same time as someone else’s cat was rushed in. They were about five minutes apart and they had the same outcome as we did.

"The vet said it can’t be pure antifreeze as that’s very quick and cats have been showing lethargy for a few days and it’s definitely not rat poison as their blood is not showing any anything for that.

"She said it’s just bizarre as all cats are showing slightly different symptoms and that’s why they’re finding it really hard to pinpoint what might be causing it."

She added: "I can’t see how this is accidental anymore. Me and my family are absolutely devastated.

Gingie and Kitty's owner Tanya Clifton said she is devastated both have died (Image: Tanya Clifton) "I’ve lost two of my babies and I’m just heartbroken for the cats and the kids.

"We’ve had to resort to locking all the cats in now but all the cats are really unhappy and it’s not really fair that we should have to.

"But the bigger concern is if it’s killing cats how much wildlife is being affected.

"Whatever the source this really needs to be found as it’s just so horrible for the animals to die this way."

Police said an investigation is ongoing.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "At around 2.54pm on Friday November 15 we received reports of anti-social behaviour on White Hart Way, Harwell.

"Anyone with any information which may help our investigation can contact 101, or leaving information via our website, quoting 43240553539."

The RSPCA said it is aware and the case is scheduled to be looked into. 

RSPCA guidance on suspected poisoning states: "Stay calm and move your pet away from the source of poison. Contact your vet immediately – inform them when, where and how the poisoning happened."