Police are now appealing for witnesses after a cat was shot with an air rifle in Frampton on Severn last week.

The incident is believed to have taken place in the vicinity of The Street and surrounding areas shortly before 11.30am on Thursday and resulted in the cat being taken to the vets for medical treatment.

Sadly the cat, named Arthur, passed away over the weekend as a result of its injuries.

A post on Facebook from the cat's owner said: "Arthur was shot with an air rifle on Thursday, by a cowardly and despicable monster.

"The pellet, damaged both his kidneys causing him excruciating pain.

"Despite the vets best efforts he deteriorated and they could not save him. We are devastated and heartbroken. 

"Such a senseless, cruel and inhumane attack on a pet by a vile, sick, individual who isn’t fit to breath the air of any of our beloved pets." 

Chief Inspector Rich Pegler, Gloucestershire police’s lead for compassionate approach said: "The shooting or injuring of a cat or any animal is completely unacceptable in today's society.

"I would encourage anyone with information to come forward, it was World Animal Day last week and it is really disappointing that an incident of this type has been reported in Gloucestershire when we are working to prevent crimes against animals."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 299 of October 3.

Alternatively information can be submitted via this online form.