Police have confirmed that they have currently found no evidence to suggest that the death of multiple cats in one evening was caused by deliberate poisoning.

The Adver reported on four cats that had died in Emerald Cresent, Abbey Farm in North Swindon all within 24 hours of one another.

The circumstances of the deaths and the manner in which the cats died led to an investigation by the police and RSPCA, after vets suspected they had been poisoned.

In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We would like to advise residents that thankfully there have been no further incidents reported since [the investigation was opened].

"We take the reports seriously, but it's important to be clear that at this time we have no firm evidence to suggest the cats were deliberately poisoned, and we are keeping an open mind as to the cause."

The first cat to pass away after falling ill at 11.30pm on August 11 was Betty, who was quickly rushed to the vet, where she was put to sleep.

Her owner, Kate Blackford, 43, said: "I went to the back door and she was making awful noises, heavy breathing and her tongue was hanging out, she started to fit."

When Kate returned from the vets she was called to her neighbour's house. Sarah-Jane Webb’s cat, Chase, was experiencing the same symptoms as Betty and was soon put down as well.

The vets that tended to Chase believed that it was a fast-acting toxin that had caused his death.

Harri Thompson, 31, who lives on the same street as Kate and Sarah-Jane had let her cat, Nala, out in the evening and woke to find her in a similar condition to the other two cats. She was taken to the vets and put down.Swindon Advertiser:

Kate Blackford realised that her other cat Simba was missing and found him dead in her garden the next morning.

The suspicious circumstances of these deaths have left residents fearful, and led the story to gain national attention.

"It's gut-wrenching, we're a really close community, but I'm scared," Harri said.

"I don't want to let my other pets out, I don't want to let my children out, I don't know what might happen."

"It's heartbreaking," added Kate, "It's like a ghost street now, people shouldn't have to live in fear like this."

The police are still working with the RSPCA to determine what has happened.