'Kidnapped' George the cat reunited with owner Eileen

A CAT suspected to have been kidnapped and dumped in the New Forest has been reunited with his owner after a mass community search and a police investigation.

George was captured late last night by people searching for him and has been reunited with Pennington owner Eileen Lemon.

He was feared lost after apparently being snatched from near his home and dumped at Beaulieu aerodrome.

Eileen said: “He is a bit scared and skinnier but otherwise okay. I am going to take him to the vets tomorrow to make sure all is well.”

She was “thrilled” to have him home, saying: “I cannot thank the people who went looking for him enough. They have been fabulous.”

Police have said they are investigating the circumstances of his disappearance, acknowledging emotions has "run high" locally over the situation.

George, a rescue animal from Romania, went missing from near Eileen and partner Julia Town’s home in Gordon Road on 2nd February.

A professional dog walker later reported seeing a couple at Beaulieu aerodrome on the day he went missing taking a cat matching George’s description out of their car. They then “shooed” him away.

After posting on social media about her loss, Eileen received an "overwhelming" response from the community with dozens of people offering their help.

One of them was Peter Hawkins who specialises in finding lost pets. He went up to the area where George had been sighted since he went missing with thermal cameras and humane traps night after night.

Lymington and New Milton police posted a photo online of George back home, saying: “I come bearing good news. So we all have seen the story of George the ginger cat who was missing from Lymington.

"After several nights of trying to capture him, he has tonight been reunited with his owner. He has a few battle wounds and will be off to the vet in the morning.

“Police will be conducting enquiries into the circumstances of George going missing and will be working closely with his owners to come to a suitable conclusion.

"Please refrain from speculation and unnecessary comments as these are not helpful. I understand that emotions run high when animals are involved but George is home safe which is the main thing.”