A CAT has been shot dead with an air rifle in Gobowen with others targeted, according to police.

Officers from West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team (SNT) in Oswestry tweeted to say they had received reports of the cat being attacked.

The incident took place on Tuesday, January 3, at around 1.20pm, and West Mercia Police says it received a report that a cat, named Bella, was shot and died later.

A spokesperson from the police said: "We've had a report from Hammonds Place in Gobowen of a cat being shot with an air weapon.

"Sadly the cat has died.

"There have been other instances of cats being targeted in the area."

Police said investigations are ongoing and anyone with information about this incident or any other can report it at 101.

Since the incident, the Gobowen community has come together to raise money in the hope of helping the owner with the bill from the emergency surgery.

According to the GoFundMe page, Bella, aged one, was left with heavy injuries from the bullet going through her bladder causing her to lose too much blood.

A friend of Bella's owner set up a GoFundMe page and said that supporting the family with the vet costs would be hugely appreciated. 

They said: "Please share Bella's story, so people can be made aware of the cruelty that is happening around us."

So far, the community has raised £810 out of the £1,000 goal which would greatly help the family.