Residents shocked after cat's hutch burned down

Garfield has for years enjoyed roaming the streets around Park Hill flats

Residents living in flats above Sheffield railway station have said they are "disgusted" that the home of their "community cat" was burned down in an apparent arson attack.

The ginger cat, known locally as Garfield, has for years been petted and fed by locals off South Street near the Grade II listed Park Hill flats.

Last year, residents clubbed together to pay for a secure wooden hutch for Garfield to sleep in, next to a patch of grass near the tram crossing at the foot of South Street.

The hutch was discovered in flames on Wednesday night with a local resident forced to save a scared Garfield from the fire.

Garfield's wooden hutch was found ablaze before the cat was rescued

It is understood Garfield escaped without serious injury and has now been taken to a local vet for a check-up.

How Garfield came to be adopted by the people of Park Hill is unclear, although some residents say his original owner still lives locally.

John Stones says he has been petting Garfield for years at Park Hill.

"Everyone who comes here loves him, he's a legend, we give him biscuits," he says.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting that anyone could set fire to his home."

Residents in Park Hill clubbed together to purchase a wooden hutch for Garfield at the foot of South Street in Sheffield

Layla Johnson has lived in Park Hill for a number of years and describes him as a "beautiful community cat".

"He loves being outside, his owner kept on trying to bring him into the house but he prefers to stay here," she says.

Nathan Fane is a student at Sheffield Hallam who lives off Park Square roundabout.

"He's really friendly," he says.

"A lot of students give him treats.

"It's nice to see him. It gives a sense of community.

"It's such a pointless, saddening attack."

The BBC has contacted South Yorkshire Police for more details about the incident.

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