POLICE are warning pet owners to be on the lookout after three animals were strangled in two bizarre attacks.

In the first incident on Wednesday last week, mum-of-eight Margaret Olukoju, of Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, woke to discover the family's guinea pig and rabbit strangled at around 7.30am.

Her daughters Rachel, 12, and Melissa, eight, who looked after Smudge the rabbit and Snuggles the guinea pig, are distraught by their deaths.

Mrs Olukoju said: "They were very upset. They asked me why this could happen and I don't have any answers."

She added: "The rabbit was really friendly. One of its claws was gone and its back leg was ripped off as well. They must have got him first."

Year-old Smudge and Snuggles, four, lived in a run in the back garden. But as work was being carried out at the back, the run was transferred to the front garden.

Mrs Olukoju said the attack could not have been carried out by animals because of the damage to the run and the force needed to lift the roof.

In a separate attack, a rabbit belonging to a family in Forgetts Road, Lane End, was discovered with its neck broken.

The attack took place between Wednesday and Thursday last week, in the back garden and the family said they believe the death was not caused by another animal.

Anyone with information should call PC Chris Young for the first attack and PC Richard Hodges for the second attack on 01494 465888