WITHOUT the public's help, authorities cannot continue an investigation into the theft of a pet cat that was brutally killed recently.

The police and the RSPCA are appealing for more information in relation to the theft of the Parkinson family's beloved pet, Pepsi.

Last month, the Hartlepool family watched in horror as CCTV footage showed a callous thief making off with their 11-year-old cat after snatching him from a car roof.

A tip-off led to the Parkinsons finding Pepsi’s mutilated body discarded in a bush, with the cat apparently having been savaged by animals.

The family believe their pet was the victim of so-called ‘lampers’, hunters who will train dogs by setting them onto smaller animals.

Following the Parkinson family’s viral appeal and joint inquiries involving the police and the RSPCA, two men were interviewed in relation to Pepsi’s disappearance.

However, they were later released, with a Cleveland Police spokeswoman saying no further action will be taken against them at this stage.

The spokeswoman said the force could not progress its inquiries into the case without further information or witnesses coming forward.

She added: “Should any new witnesses come forward with information we will, of course, look into it thoroughly.

“We appreciate how distressing this incident was for the owner and understand her disappointment and frustration with this outcome.

“However, we have been in daily contact with her throughout to keep her updated on how we have followed every line of inquiry possible, and we have explained how, without further information or witnesses coming forward, we are sadly unable to progress inquiries at this stage.”

Holly Parkinson said her family were disappointed that the investigation was on hold and felt badly let down by the authorities.

Pepsi belonged to Ms Parkinson’s mother, and was a gift to her from her late husband shortly before he died from cancer.

Ms Parkinson said she was disappointed that those who took him were walking "completely free", adding: “As anyone that knows us will know, we have been through far, far more than the usual family and this was the last thing my mam ever needed and they will never, ever know the hurt they have caused."

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA joined the police in calling for more information to allow for investigations to continue.

She said: “The RSPCA has been working with police to investigate the theft and subsequent death of a cat in Hartlepool.

“This must have been devastating for Pepsi’s family and our thoughts are with his owner.

“Unfortunately, despite extensive inquiries by police and the RSPCA further evidence on what happened to Pepsi is needed.

“If anyone has any information which could help the investigation please contact police on 101, or call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”