TOBIAS Ellwood says he remains “deeply regretful” for running over a neighbour’s cat.

The incident led to two attacks on the Bournemouth East MP's home in the Holdenhurst area.

Following a police investigation into the damage at Mr Ellwood's home, the matter wasresolved through a community resolution with no arrests made.

Reports in national media said Mr Ellwood drove away from the scene of the incident, which took place in May, and avoided the five-year-old Bengal cat but the feline had died as a result of a collision.

After the incident, the defence select committee chairman’s home was targeted on two separate occasions.

In a statement, Mr Ellwood said he remains “deeply regretful” about the incident on the road.

“I would never knowingly leave any incident,” Mr Ellwood said.

“On the contrary, it is in my nature to step forward and resolve matters. I swerved to avoid a cat and on learning later that it had died, I made a call to apologise but was given the number for the wrong neighbour.

“This neighbour was kind enough to pass on my apology and offer to replace the cat. Before I could pursue this matter further. My family became distracted by a vicious attack on our house.

"This lasted some time and involved bricks being thrown - unbeknownst at the time that this was related."

He said: “The police then became heavily involved due to Operation Bridger (protection to MPs). The two events were then eventually connected.”

Mr Ellwood said his family made a commitment to offer a donation to a cat charity and an agreement was reached between all parties.

“I remain horrified and apologetic regarding the initial incident,” Mr Ellwood said. “I am also saddened that parties have chosen to make public comment after the police had closed the file.”

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "We received a report at 2.47pm on Saturday, May 28, relating to damage being caused to a property in Holdenhurst Village in Bournemouth.

"Officers conducted enquiries into this matter and the parties involved have been identified and spoken to. Following liaison with all parties, the matter was dealt with by way of a community resolution. No arrests were made."