A FORMER police officer with over 18 years’ experience has stepped in to help find a missing moggy. 

Hugo the cat disappeared in Tidworth on May 4 and now a team of pet investigators from Animal Search UK will support the family in its search.

Owner Shelia let her four-year-old cat out of the house at about 11pm, as per his usual routine, but since then there has been no sign of Hugo.

The family say Hugo has black fur all over his body, apart from approximately 10 white hairs on his chest and under his left eye.

He has a strong, muscular build with a small bald patch in between shoulder blades of unknown cause. Hugo is an incredibly timid cat who would not allow strangers to approach him or pick him up.

To help step up the campaign the family has drawn in the support of Animal Search UK, which are often requested to carry out door to door enquiries or can assist with posters, leaflets, advice and expert support for owners

The team are led by former police officer, Tom Watkins, who said: “Most missing pets are found within a mile of home – the challenge faced by owners, is making sure that as many people as possible know that their pet has gone missing, and encouraging them to be vigilant in keeping an eye out for them.

“Unfortunately, work and family commitments often mean that owners don’t have as much time as they’d like to devote scouring the area looking for their missing pet, and this is one of the ways in which Animal Search UK can help.”

Tom added: “We’ll make sure that we have as much background as possible before we commence our investigation. We’ll check details about their normal routine, and their usual patterns of movement in the area.”

Anyone with information or has a sighting of Hugo should call 0800 4 320 340 and quote case ref: ALP368838.

Information can be left anonymously on info@animalsearchuk.co.uk.