A Japanese man has been arrested in connection with a cat-killing spree in the various localities, but particularly in the Sliema area, the police said Friday.

The man, aged 31, was arrested in Manuel Dimech Street, Sliema at 3am, the police said.

Officers on duty approached the man who was seen walking in the street, and he was found to be carrying latex gloves similar to those allegedly used when cats were being killed, and cat food.

After his arrest, a search was conducted in his home where officers seized clothes that the man was seen wearing in security cameras video footage when such incidents were being reported.