A CAT has been left with a shattered leg after it is thought to have been shot.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the incident on Saturday, May 2.

The cat was let out of its home in Clifftown Parade, Westcliff, at around 6.30pm on Saturday, May 2 for its usual evening walk when the suspected shooting occurred.

When the pet returned at 10pm its owners noticed he had blood on his front leg so they took it to the vet.

It underwent an x-ray and it was found to have a shattered bone in one of its legs, which the vet believes may have been caused by a bullets or pellet from an air weapon.

Police are now investigating and appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or seen the injured cat.

PC Sue Hellier, of Southend police, said: "The cat usually only roams in the front or back garden of his home.

"Unfortunately we don't know where he may have gone on this occasion and therefore where this incident may have happened.

"However if anyone heard anything, such as an air weapon being fired, or anyone saw the injured cat or anything suspicious, we would like to hear from them.”

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact PC Hellier at Southend on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.