Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with the deaths of two kittens in London, the Metropolitan police have said.

A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were arrested on Friday in relation to an incident in Ruislip, north-west London, on 3 May. The pair remain in custody, the force added.

The Met said in a statement: “This incident caused great distress in the area and we thank the community for their willingness to share information that aided our investigation.”

Police previously said they received a report from a member of the public alleging that two teenagers had dismembered two kittens on Ickenham Road.

There have been other attacks on animals in the area, including on swans and ducks targeted by catapults, the force has said. However, these were believed to be separate incidents.

Police have written to parents via local schools to raise awareness about animal cruelty, and to ask parents to speak to their children about the attacks.