The disappearance of Hiro, one of three cats owned by Nino Frassica and his family, set the town of Spoleto ablaze last year – not least because the 73-year-old actor and comedian offered a €5,000 (around £4,300) reward for his safe return.

The saga widely drew comparisons with Don Matteo, a popular Italian TV show running for over two decades in which Mr Frassica plays a senior police officer helped by a Catholic priest to solve crimes in Spoleto.

Unfortunately, despite volunteers descending on the town from far afield, the search has so far failed and descended into bitter recriminations.

Local prosecutors are now considering complaints from two neighbouring families who say Mr Frassica baselessly accused them of involvement in Hiro’s disappearance, leading to online harassment, RaiNews reports.

He faces potential charges of aggravated defamation, stalking and incitement to commit a crime.

Fabrizio Gentili, lawyer for both families, told Repubblica: “We are very worried about the new phase of filming of the drama scheduled in Spoleto for Saturday 20 January, because we fear that the commotion that has involved my clients in recent months will be unleashed again.”