THE HEARTBROKEN family of a beloved Bengal cat run down by a Tory MP claim he refused to apologise.
Tobias Ellwood hit much-loved moggie Atticus in a country lane near his £1million home.
Tobias Ellwood was targeted by vigilantes for running over and killing a neighbour’s cat[/caption]
Just days afterwards, the windows at his barn conversion were smashed with croquet mallets and eggs were thrown.
Cops were called to investigate the incident which they say has now been resolved.
But a close pal of Atticus’s family claims that the MP for Bournemouth East failed to apologise to them.
The pal said: “He hasn’t apologised at all, the family are absolutely heartbroken.
Read More on Tobias Ellwood
“Atticus was a wonderful cat but as soon as Ellwood found out what had happened the family didn’t get so much as a sorry.
“They’re really upset and it hurts”.
The source added: “Atticus was the most beautiful playful and cheeky cat who was loved by our family and even our dogs – they were a trio of friends.
“His loss is devastating. He has been buried in the grounds of the family home so he’s still close by.”
A source close to Mr Ellwood disputes this claim and says a full apology was offered.
Heart-warming pictures provided to The Sun show the happy feline relaxing at home with other family pets.
Julie Holland, 61, who lives close-by said the striped Bengal cat would come and play with her cat called Boris, named after the Prime Minister.
She said: “Tobias Ellwood ran over the cat a few weeks ago. Everyone in the village is talking about it.
“It’s a disgrace. It’s a Bengal cat who used to come over the road to play with my cat Boris, who’s named after the Prime Minister.
Most read in Politics
“People drive up here so fast, even though there’s a 30mph limit sign.
“Apparently Ellwood’s house was attacked after it happened. If he had done that to my cat I would have done something about it.”
Julie also owns a Boxer dog called Stanley, named after the PM’s father, adding: “I’m still a Tory supporter.”
Dorset Police investigated the attack at the home Mr Ellwood shares with wife Hannah and two young sons
A spokesman said: “The parties have been identified and spoken to.
Read More on The Sun
“The matter was dealt with by a community resolution.”
Former Army officer Mr Ellwood, chair of the Defence Select Committee, was approached for comment.
