Victims of a rogue tom cat in Tolworth have come forward to claim the aggressive feline’s attacks on their pets are “no joke”.

The huge tabby tom, dubbed the Fang Tom Menace, is thought to have caused up to £500 in vet bills for pet owners in the School Lane area so far.

For an estimated six weeks, the cat is said to have been prowling the area, letting himself into people’s houses and attacking their domestic cats.

Cara Hallsworth Green used social media to complain about the animal.

She said: “This one’s been around on School Lane for about five weeks. My cats are 12 now. Never had an issue with them on the estate, until one got into a fight with it, and now he’s so scared to go out, he has started weeing in the house – vets said stress.

“Vet bills aren’t funny. We are trying to catch it to see if it’s chipped and if the owner needs help with neutering, which I’m sure would calm him down loads.”

Other south of the borough residents have come forward in defence of the animal, claiming he is misunderstood.

Chessington resident Chris Orton said on the Original Kingston upon Thames No Fakes Community Facebook group: “He deserves better than being left to wander and fight and starve.”

It is thought the feline is a stray but no one has been able to confirm or deny this.

Surbiton Hill Councillor Malcolm Self said: “I believe some people have come forward and offered to pay for neutering if he can be caught.”