PET owners are being warned to be vigilant after three cats were killed by anti-freeze poisoning.

David Smith, of Manor Road in Dovercourt where the cats lived, fears the deaths were deliberate and is calling for action to protect pets.

His daughter, Sarah Ford, who also lives in Manor Road, previously lost two cats to anti-freeze poisoning in 2009.

On Tuesday night her 14-year-old cat Max went missing and was found close to death the next morning.

Two other cats from the road are also said to have died from poisoning last week.

The deaths have been reported to police and the RSPCA.