RSPCA inspectors are no closer to finding the culprit responsible for a spate of cat poisonings in a south Norfolk town.

Harleston hit the national headlines 12 months ago after it emerged that nine pet cats from a quiet street had died of anti-freeze poisoning in an 18 month period.

Officials from the RSPCA yesterday said they had not found out who was responsible for the crimes that occurred in the Beck View area. However, the animal charity had not received any further reports of cats dying or being made seriously ill since an investigation began.

Norfolk Police officers and RSPCA inspectors launched an inquiry last May after local residents suspected foul play following the deaths of nine cats from the cul-de-sac of suspected anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning over a two year period.

The substance, known as 'blue death', usually used to stop car engines from freezing, tastes sweet to cats, but even a small amount can prove fatal and cause renal failure.

Cat owners in Beck View posted photographs of their pets on a fence at the entrance of the road after they began to suspect that someone was deliberately poisoning their cats.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA yesterday said: 'The local inspector has not had any further reports of poisonings in this area, which is pleasing to know. We hope that the publicity highlighting these sad cases, did help to stop whoever was carrying this out.'

'Sadly we never received enough information to take the investigation further forward, but the RSPCA takes matters like this extremely seriously and although it is 12 months on if anyone does have any information as to who was responsible for these cats deaths, we would still encourage them to call the RSPCA.'

Misty, Gremmy, Basil, Archie, Pampha, Fudge, Gizzy, Mitzi and Teddy were all victims of anti-freeze poisoning and another two Beck View cats were missing and another had been kicked to death.

A cat that has been poisoned with anti-freeze can appear drunk and uncoordinated, seem depressed or sleepy and may suffer from vomiting, seizures, and have difficulty breathing.

Anyone caught causing animal cruelty could face up to six months in prison and be fined �20,000.

Contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or visit www.rspca.org.uk/poisoning