POLICE are warning young thugs believed to be using pet cats for target practice that they will be caught.

The hard-line message came after distraught Jane Outterside reported that her cat, Buster, had been shot by youngsters in Accrington.

It is believed to be the latest in a spate of incidents, local vets have reported to police.

Jane, of Robert Street, Accrington, took Buster to the vets after he came back into the house with his head bleeding.

She said: "At first I just thought he had been in a fight. He shot through the cat flap and there was blood everywhere.

"I took him to the vets and they immediately said he had been shot by an air rifle.

"Buster is now on tablets and he is being sick all the time.

"I don't know what goes through the mind of these sorts of youngsters to want to do something like that. What are they doing with these air rifles in the first place?"

A similar incident, believed to be unconnected, has been reported to police in the Ribble Valley, after a cat from Hurst Green was shot.

Commenting on the Accrington incident, Sgt Claire Holbrook from the town's police station warned those responsible will be caught.

Sgt Holbrook said: "This is a despicable crime against a defenceless animal that has obviously caused much suffering to the animal and distress to the owner.

"These weapons are very dangerous in the wrong hands and when used inappropriately can cause serious injury to humans and animals alike."

Anyone with any information on the Accrington shooting, on Thursday, May 6, at around 8am should contact police on 01254 51212.