THE RSPCA are continuing investigations to find out what happened to a cat whose burned body was discovered in Basingstoke, after it was intentionally set on fire.

The cat who has now been identified as Chris, was last seen by his owner near his home Keats Close in Basingstoke.

He was found by a motorist driving along Kiln Road in Sherborne St John between 8am and 8.30am on Sunday, March 17.

SEE ALSO: RSPCA inspector in tears after cat is set on fire in ‘premeditated’ attack in Basingstoke

The cats body had been intentionally set on fire and the ferocious heat from the blaze had caused the surface of the road where the animal’s body was discovered, to melt.

Hannah Nixon, deputy chief inspector, said: “Our thoughts are with Chris’ owner. We’re sorry they’ve lost him, and sorry it’s in such upsetting circumstances.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw Chris in the lead up to 1am Saturday March 26, or who witnessed anything suspicious along Shakespeare Road, Basingstoke, as that’s where he went missing from.

“Did anyone see anything between 1am on the Saturday, when he was last seen by his owner, and 8-8.30am Sunday 27 March when he was discovered by the motorist? If so, please get in touch.

“We’d be keen to hear from anyone who did spot him, or from any motorists who may have accidentally knocked him down on the road.

“It’s not known whether Chris was already dead before his body was set alight so the team are keen to hear from anyone who has information which could help our investigation.”

As previously reported the incident left an RSPCA inspector in tears after she was called to pick up the cat.

The burnt remains of what could have been a collar which had disintegrated in the heat, were also found.

Deputy chief inspector Hannah Boyle, who previously attended the incident, added: “I’ve been working as an inspector for over three years and I can honestly say this is one of the most cruel, sad and upsetting things I have ever seen or been called to deal with.

“Such was the condition of the body that we can’t say whether this poor animal was alive before he or she was callously set on fire, but even if this wasn’t the case, what sort of person gets pleasure or thinks it's funny to do this to someone’s pet?"

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Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care visit thier website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.

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