POLICE are hunting a man who stamped repeatedly on a cat’s head before throwing his lifeless body under a parked van.

Tigger – known as Tigs – had been part of the furniture at the Briggs’ house in Southampton after arriving as a kitten 16 years ago and growing up alongside the children.

The grief stricken family say they are struggling to come to terms with what happened to their beloved family pet and called on public help to find who was responsible.

Margaret Briggs, a grandmother-of-nine, said: “We are just devastated. There are no words. I just can’t get my head around why anyone would do something like that.

“It is just sick. When he wasn’t there as he always was by the door in the morning I knew something was wrong. As time went on I thought he may have been clipped by a car because he was getting a bit deaf and doddery on his feet. Never did I think someone had deliberately attacked him like this.”

She described how the affectionate tabby had left a huge hole in their lives, having grown up with her five children and provided a huge comfort when husband Stephen suffered a heart attack 11 years ago.

Margaret said: “Stephen suffered a huge heart attack and when he was recovering Tigs barely left his side. He would stay with him and lie on his chest, Tigs was such a comfort to him. We all miss him badly.”

Police have now launched an investigation into the attack after they were contacted by a witness who saw it being carried out. With her help they have produced an e-fit they think is a good likeness of the man who carried out the assault in Chessel Avenue, Bitterne.

He was described as aged about 25, white, medium to stocky build, 6ft with short ginger or strawberry blonde hair.

He wore a blue and white checked shirt with a black T-shirt underneath, blue jeans with blue underpants showing over the top. He wore black Van trainers with red laces.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: “This is an incident of barbaric cruelty to a beloved family pet. We want to hear from anyone who either recognises the e-fit or has any information that could help us track down whoever is responsible.”

Mrs Briggs, 59, added: “Knowing that whoever did this to Tigs has been found will help us get over what has happened. I just hope that he is found so that he doesn’t do it again.”